SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – As Saugatuck considers ending a 20-year joint policing agreement with neighboring Douglas, an argument for maintaining the Saugatuck-Douglas Police Department in its current status may be presented on Monday night.
Ahead of the City Council’s bi-weekly meeting, Interim Chief of Police Steven Kent submitted his department’s annual report for council’s consideration. In the document dated January 10th, Kent said in his summary statement, “I have read and heard some misinformation about the department budget figures. It is important that clear budget numbers are presented with the important police services decisions in our near future.
“The 2017/2018 fiscal year Saugatuck-Douglas Police Department Budgeted Total is $1,040,250 (Not 1.3 million) with the cost for each city broken down as follows: Douglas City $508,500; Saugatuck City $531,750 (Includes Seasonal Patrols & Contractual Cost).
“Although it has been a very challenging year, the department staff feels privileged to serve the Cities of Douglas & Saugatuck; and we hope to continue to serve both cities in this capacity in the future.”
Three weeks ago, the Saugatuck City Council approved a resolution that creates a special committee to look into contracting options available for police services. The deadline for a report from that committee is February 8th.
