Ypsi And Ypsi Twp. Consider Merging Police Forces

The tough economic times mean that many cities must come up with ways to save money, while still providing core services to residents. Ypsilanti, and its township are the latest of such communities to confront this dilemma.

A meeting is planned for the evening of September 13 between the Ypsilanti City Council and the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees to discuss the possibility of sharing police services.

Over the last few months the number of officers on the streets of both communities has been reduced.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Florence Walton reports that like many municipalities across Michigan, both Ypsilanti and the township are trying to manage with lower revenues because of declining property values and the high foreclosure rate.

Sharing police services across the two communities may be a solution that allows money to be saved without making further size reductions to the force.

Some residents of the communities accept a move like this as a necessity of the times. 

Others are growing frustrated with the economic situation. As one resident said, "I think it's really unfortunate that we don't have the resources to pay people what they're really worth … it's not just the police, but it's the fire and the teachers and everybody right now are hurting financially and we're in a really sorry place."

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