Jackson, Mich. (WKHM, Marc W. Daly) — Jackson County is facing $615,000 in budget cuts to the Sheriff’s Department, a move that will reduce patrols, increase response times, and cut other law enforcement services. Sheriff Gary Schuette plans to eliminate six unfilled positions — two in corrections and four in road patrol — and reduce spending on vehicles and uniforms to manage the shortfall.

The cuts stem from the failure of the jail operations millage in November. While some commissioners argue the county’s $11 million reserve fund could cover the gap, others caution against using those funds, citing long-term financial stability concerns.

The proposed reductions will be voted on by County Commissioners on Tuesday, December 17. If approved, the Sheriff’s Department will proceed with its scaled-back operations plan as part of the county’s overall budget adjustments.