If Jackson County Sheriff Steve Rand doesn't resign by 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners could decide to eliminate his benefits. It's the last step the commissioners can take since Sheriff Rand has refused to step down.
The Board of Commissioners can't cut or take away his salary by county law, however, they can vote for the sheriff to lose the following fringe benefits:
Medical, Life and Disability insurance provided by the county, paid leave, and others.
He wouldn't be able to drive his county-owned vehicle for personal use either.
Sheriff Rand was heard making derogatory statements about women, minorities and people with disabilities on audio tapes released as part of a lawsuit against him.
He has apologized but says he won't step down.
The sheriff is also accused of diverting funds from the jail commissary in order to buy a patrol vehicle that he drove exclusively.
Jackson City Mayor, the city council and the county board of commissioners have all called for Rand 's resignation.
County Administrator Michael Overton says the Board of Commissioners hope by eliminating Sheriff Rand's benefits that it will encourage him to do what they say is the right thing and resign.
"We've given him every opportunity to do the right thing and responsible thing for the betterment of not only the community but internally the organization and thus far he has not resigned and people are suffering, frankly. So, we need to do what we can to provide incentive for him to resign" Michael Overton said.
Since Sheriff Rand is an elected official he cannot be fired.
He can only be removed by the governor or by a recall election.
The county has asked Governor Snyder to remove the sheriff from office, and that request is currently being reviewed.
Undersheriff Chris Kuhl would take over the sheriff's office if Rand does resign.
