Public Safety Expected See Deep Cuts if Millage Doesn't Pass

If the Headlee Override millage proposal doesn't pass May 3, Ferndale City Council members said they are prepared to make the difficult cuts. during the budget review meeting, for nonpublic safety portions of the general fund.

Wednesday, the council heard presentations from Public Safety and the that outlined 15 percent and 20 percent reductions in each department's budget. Ferndale Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan, Police Chief Tim Collins and 43rd District Court Judge Joseph Longo made the presentations.

What was the result? No, not cheaper pencils and pens, not $5 here and $10 there, but drastic cuts in services and personnel.

Why cut?

Ferndale is facing a projected $2.3 million shortfall in the general fund. The council has two options: . On May 3, Ferndale residents will have the opportunity to vote on a millage proposal called the Headlee Override. If approved by the voters, it will raise the general operating tax rate 3 mills the first year and 2.45 mills during each of the next four years, or about 6 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

Council members are mapping out four budgets: one if the millage passes and one without, and both projecting out the next year. To balance the budget if the millage doesn't pass, the council is asking each .

The general fund includes City Hall operations, portions of Public Works operations, general government operations and police and fire. About 60 percent of the general fund goes toward public safety and a large portion of that cost goes toward personnel. (See suggested cuts to nonpublic safety and court .)

The links below are what department heads for police and fire and 43rd District Court have suggested as part of their 15 percent and 20 percent cuts.