Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


More than a dozen residents spoke out regarding police coverage during Monday night’s meeting of the Pinckney Village Council.

The Village is looking at various possibilities due to budget constraints.

A master plan survey went out, which asks various questions related to police service, and raised concerns for many about the future of the department. Chief Jeff Garrison also directly voiced concerns.

There was no specific business item listed on the agenda about the Department but people spoke during call to the public.

The majority seemed to favor keeping the current police department and not contracting out. Many talked about the importance of quick response times, safety, and more personal interactions. Others felt the department makes up a large portion of the budget – around 50% - and it’s important to review all areas and prioritize sustainability. One resident commented the survey was a “sham” and the questions were “very biased”.

Council held two closed sessions during the meeting, and no action was taken after either.

The first was to consider an attorney-client privileged letter. The listed agenda item was for discussion of “pending litigation involving the Village Police Department related to contempt of court charges”.

The second closed session was added to “consider ongoing labor negotiations and police department discussion”.

Village President Jeff Buerman reported that he’s had a lot conversations with people on the topic and is always available, adding the budget can be viewed online.

Buerman and some other members of the Planning Commission have stated the survey was simply to gather information about maintaining the 24-hour police department; and if residents would be willing to support a tax increase to fund that or consider other options such as contracting out with another agency.

Below is a portion of minutes from the April 28th meeting and a speech by Buerman:

"Now, let's address the white elephant in the room. Yes, we did send out a survey asking about police coverage. We asked our tax-paying citizens whether they would be willing to pay more to maintain our own 24-hour police department - or whether they might be willing to consider other options, like contracting services with a neighboring department to lower costs. Let me be clear: his was a fact-finding mission. Nothing more. No decisions have been made. No cuts have been planned. No actions have been taken. As your Village President, and as a council, we have a responsibility to our taxpayers - to every citizen - to explain how their money is spent. It is our job to lay every option on the table. We would not be doing our duty - legally, financially, or morally - if we didn't. We could take the easy road, like past administrations did - ignore hard conversations, pretend problems don't exist, and kick the can down the road until it's too late and the choices are made for us. But we won't. Not on my watch. We are going to have honest conversations - even when they're hard. We are going to look at every option. Not because we're getting rid of our police. Not because we're cutting corners… …because when the time comes - and it will come - we need to be ready. We need to be able to give our residents all the facts, all the information they need to make a smart, informed decision. And let me speak directly for a moment: Chief Garrison - instead of putting fear into the community, I need you to be part of the solution. Start finding ways to make our police department work financially. Start helping us figure out how we continue to provide the excellent service you and your officers are known for, while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. We don't need fear - we need solutions. When your department is over 50% of our total Village budget, we need your help and support to come up with ideas. The answer can't always be "just raise taxes." We need innovation, creativity, and teamwork- because that's how we survive and that's how we thrive. And we also need to look seriously at new ways to bring more revenue into this Village. All options are on the table - even considering whether it's time for Pinckney to become a Home Rule City. We owe it to the people to consider every possibility that could strengthen our financial future. And one more thing: We cannot - and will not - be intimidated by "keyboard warriors" when it comes time to make the tough decisions. Social media critics don't carry the weight of facts, hard work, or real responsibility. We answer to the voters - the citizens who live here, pay taxes here, raise families here - not to anonymous posters hiding behind a screen. And let me tell you this: The final decision will not be made by me. It will not be made by this council. It will be made by the good citizens of Pinckney - in a vote - in November 2026. "

Meanwhile, the survey will be open until the end of May to encourage more responses and participation.