LANSING, Mich. — After two special meetings on Thursday, Eaton County and Delta Township have reached a tentative agreement on the financial framework for a new 10-year police services contract.
Under the proposed agreement, Delta Township would pay approximately $8 million annually for dedicated police services. This funding would cover personnel, equipment, training, and administrative support necessary to maintain public safety within the township.
The agreement comes amid significant financial challenges facing Eaton County, as well as the recent failure of a proposed public safety millage in May. County officials stressed the importance of the contract in ensuring continued police presence and services in Delta Township.
According to the terms, Eaton County would provide the township with 38 deputies and command officers, along with two supporting staff members. This represents an increase of five officers compared to the number previously allocated to the township.
The contract framework also includes a 15% administrative fee and one-time deposits into the county’s pension system. Additionally, the contract will be reconciled annually; while the township will be billed a set amount, adjustments will be made through refunds or additional fees to reflect actual expenses and resource use.
Both the Eaton County Board of Commissioners and the Delta Township Board must approve the finalized contract before it can take effect. County officials anticipate the full contract will be drafted and ready for adoption in the coming weeks, with a deadline set for September 30.
The agreement marks a significant step in maintaining and potentially enhancing public safety services in the region despite ongoing fiscal pressures.
