KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Confronted by the chief circuit judge, Kalamazoo County Commissioners have agreed to foot the bill for security at the probate court for 90 days, until they can find permanent funding.
After about a half hour of debate over whether they should force the circuit court to pay for their own security, Judge Stephen Gorsalitz let them have it, saying his court is a dangerous place, citing the specific statute that stated it was the county’s responsibility to fund security and make it less dangerous.
Security funding became an issue after the district court judged found money in their own budget to replace rent-a-cops with armed County Deputies, and the sheriff pulled a deputy out of the Probate court because of budget cuts. An inspection by Federal Marshals recommended armed guards.
They have also voted to begin the process to close the district court in Portage, which may provide that funding. The last time the idea was proposed, Portage and other south-county officials objected, but board Chair David Maturen says they need to cut costs wherever they can.
The process will include discussing it with Portage officials and holding hearings before they make any final decision.
