Eaton County is responsible for helping fifteen townships.
If the cuts are made, only nine deputies will be covering them all. A deputy with the sheriff's office tells us there are currently about 20 deputies employed. Sheriff Tom Reich says he's devastated.
"It's going to be very difficult, if not impossible to run a 24/7 law enforcement agency to ensure the people in Eaton County are safe," he said.
Melony Franckeo lives in Eaton County and she's worried about her safety.
"Road patrol protects me, my home, my family, and my loved ones in this community,"she stated.
Sheriff Reich said they've looked at all possible avenues to help with the budget, but he and others in the community still hope something else can be done.
"I would like to see the budget re-thought, and have public hearings on it as it goes to the full committee," Margo Asletine said.
The county said the cuts are unfortunate but necessary, and that every department in the county is experiencing cuts.
The county is looking to save money at more than just the sheriff's office. Here's the breakdown:
--Two layoffs at "Friend of the Court"
--Two dispatchers
-- One each in human resources, the prosecutors office and physical plant
The Eaton County Board of Commissioners will have a public hearing on the budget on September 12th. A final vote is slated for September 20th.
