LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office announced that beginning December 1, 2024, it will eliminate afternoon road patrol coverage from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. to save costs.
Officials say that because the Separate Tax Limitation proposal did not get passed on the ballot on November 5, the Sheriff decided to implement ‘cost-saving measures’ to lower the budget and support the current staff.
“My deputies cannot keep filling shifts with overtime. It is unsafe, unfair, and it comes at a high cost,” said Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich. “I have already spoken with or sent correspondence to the other law enforcement agencies in the County on this coming change.”
“The future of road patrol in this County is in flux,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Jim Mott. “We do not have the funds, so unless we can secure more revenue systematic reductions are coming to Eaton County.”
The Sheriff’s Office reported that in 2022, the Sheriff’s Office eliminated midnight to 6 a.m. due to staffing shortages.