Atlas Twp.- The township board is currently pursuing an ordinance to establish cost-recovery charges for emergency services and provide a method for collection. The township is taking aim at police or fire emergencies, first responder services, hazardous-materials response, police or fire standby.
According to the terms of the proposed ordinance discussed at Monday’s monthly meeting, costs for services resulting from negligent acts of recipients may be authorized by the township supervisor and shall be calculated by a rate schedule which has yet to be determined. No costs for services shall be collected where no negligence can be attributed to the recipient.
‘What are the real costs to the people of the township?? asked Shirley Kautman-Jones, township supervisor. ‘What’s going to be a collectable amount? There has to be that element of intent to be charged. It should be a wakeup call to people of the community with regard to costs. We only see the top side of the expenses. The sheriff department can spend up to eight hours after the crime is committed. That deputy is out of the township in court and they may go two and three times (to court). Is that fair to the residents, taxpayers, to cover those bills??
The cost for the Genesee County Sheriff Department, who has contracted with the township for four deputies has escalated each year since 1995 to more than $540,000 for the 2009-2010 contract. Costs sought to be recovered include money spent on arresting, booking, processing and possibly prosecuting the offender.
The township established a contract with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department about 15 years ago, funded by 1 mill from area property owners. Funding for the deputies was increased in 2005 by a special assessment of $50 for every improved lot and $25 for unimproved lots, which is set to expire in 2010.
‘However, the question is, how far out are you willing to go? We could end up like a law firm. A case could go on for years. The board has to consider what is equitable. Some you’re going to win and lose. Still we are not out to get the general resident that has a house fire or gets a speeding ticket. There must be some criminal intent and negligence associated with the act.?
The township fire department currently collects on arson, downed power lines or if someone is burning without a permit. Their collections are about $1,500 per year. In addition, the township collects from ticket fees, towing, fines and forfeitures, OULs. Those collections average less than $10,000 per year.
Township Trustee Barry June emphasizes there is no attempt to gouge people here.
‘What this ordinance will get is police cost recovered in line with the fire department,? said June.
‘We’ll establish a master list of charges’we’re not going to overcharge people for those expenses. But, if you break the law you’re fair game, whether you’re a township resident or not.?
June said like other communities, revenues and taxes are declining and every dollar counts.
‘We are all struggling to provide the services,? he said.
‘We can’t keep funding the police services from the general fund. There needs to be another revenue stream. We are all hurting.?