COLDWATER, Mich. -- Branch County has been forced to make up for lost revenue sharing from the state after it lost about 20 percent in funding in recent years, much like other counties and communities across the state,
In February, FOX 17 reported the Branch County Sheriff's Office was so understaffed, there were no longer enough officers on duty to have a night patrol. That forced Michigan State Police troopers to pick up the slack.
But now, Governor Snyder is making a point to fully restore revenue sharing across the state, bringing Branch County's total to roughly $960,000 for 2015. Following the announcement, several viewers directed questions to FOX 17 asking if the additional revenue will go toward funding needed positions in the county's sheriff's office.
Officials like county administrator Bud Norman are quick to warn the figure is deceiving, noting the amount restored only represents about 20 percent of the total $960,000.
“The number $900,000 is discussed, but actually we’ve had that money over the years," Norman said. "What we didn’t have, and what was restored last year, was that $200,000 a year.”
Norman said the county will actually only receive from the state about $225,000 in new revenue for 2015, but it's money that's already been spent. The county has already allocated roughly $200,000 annually to new correction's officer positions in the county jail.
“Most folks thought Branch County would be getting revenue sharing and have extra money, but for us there is no increase," said Sheriff John Pollack. "I don’t expect to see any increase this year for our staff, as far as road patrol officers."
The understaffing issue persists as the county's overcrowding issue at the jail also continues. Pollack said already this year there have been seven instances where the jail came within one or two days of having to declare an overcrowding emergency.
Norman said deciding where to allocate the money is a constant balancing act. “It’s an opportunity cost," he said. "If we allocate that toward the road patrol, what does that mean for the other types of things we need?"
"We know we’ve got an increase in jail population. Are we addressing that?”
Pollack addressed the county commission Thursday to request more funding for additional corrections officers in the jail. He said he remains optimistic they'll be able to bring on more hires in the next few years.
"The county is working with us to try to come up with a strategic plan that we might see an increase in officers," he said. "But there’s definitely not going to be a windfall for us as it would appear.”
