Police Funding Millage to go Before Rochester Hills Voters in August

Rochester Hills voters will be presented in August with a proposition that will continue the funding of police services in the city. 

It won't be a millage increase, city leaders say, thought it may seem that way at first. The proposal, if approved, will renew for 10 years the 1.2083 mills that expire in 2014. It will also levy up to 2.5 mills that will be dedicated to police funding, but that 2.5 mills will be reduced from the general fund.

So it wouldn't be a millage increase, supporters said — just a "status quo" shift in the way the police services are funded.

Police services in Rochester Hills are contracted through the . That costs about $9 million a year. 

The funding question will be on the Aug. 7 primary election ballot. The proposal is the result of a residents-driven effort: a technical review committee has held more than 50 meetings over the past few years to discuss possible methods of continuing the funding, City Council President Greg Hooper said.

Councilmembers approved the ballot proposal Monday night with a 6-1 vote. Councilmember Ravi Yalamanchi voted no, saying he was in favor of a straight renewal.

The technical review committee also suggested councilmembers consider another ballot question that would ask for an additional .4 mills to fund added officers. Councilmembers did not take up this question, so it will not be on the August ballot.