By Staff
In May, at the urging of an active group of citizens, the Niles Township Board approved putting a request for a 2-mill tax levy for four years on the Aug. 2nd ballot to continue the operation of the township's police department.
That move came after members of the township board's public safety committee began talks with Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey to contract for police services and dissolve the Niles Township Police Department.
In recent history, Niles Township residents have turned down requests for a tax millage to pay for full-time police services. Many don't expect Tuesday's millage request to be approved, either. Board members have expressed concern that even if the tax levy passes, the money it would generate may not be what is needed to adequately fund a township department.
Along with equipment needs, some township board members have complained that the cost of training officers, as well as escalating health care benefit costs and liability issues, make operating a township police department cost prohibitive.
The real issue for the Niles Township board should be what best serves the needs of a growing Niles Township population - residents and businesses. We don't think contracting with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department does that.
Unfortunately, too often people let others make the decisions which will eventually affect their own lives. Too few people may come out and vote, or only those who vote no whenever they are given an opportunity to say no to a tax.
Then, when they are in the situation when they need quick police protection or assistance, they don't understand why they must wait for an officer to arrive.
This vote may be the last chance for the residents of Niles Township to keep their police department.
Those supporting the millage have learned from the County Equalization Department the average homeowner would pay about $8 a month for the millage-less than a meal at the fast food restaurant. An average home in the township worth $100,000, would pay $100 a year. As Tammy Youngs of the Concerned Citizens for Niles Township has stated, "We all carry insurance for that one moment of need in our lives." We wish we lived in a world which doesn't need police protection. Unfortunately that world doesn't exist.
County Commissioner John LaMore has had the safety of the township his priority during his 25 years with the township fire department, 13 years as chief. He has seen how the millage which passed for the Niles Township Fire Department in the early 60s gave it a base to grow from. That millage hasn't been increased. LaMore supports this millage to do the same for the police department.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Those voting in precinct one will vote at the Fairland Church, located at 1881 River Bluff Road.
Precinct two votes at Oak Manor School, located at 1 Tyler St.
Precinct three will vote at Brandywine Junuior/Senior High School, located at 1700 Bell Road.
Precinct four voting is at Brandywine Elementary, located at 2428 S. 13th St.
Precinct five voters will vote at Morris Farm Fire Station, located at 2001 Morris Drive.
If a voter is unsure in what precinct they are located they can contact the Niles Township Clerk's office at 684-0870.
We urge you to go to the polls on Tuesday and cast your ballot approving the millage to support a Niles Township Police Department.