By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS - Eight years ago the Legislature mandated that a citizen Friend of the Court advisory committee be established in Cass County.
Lawmakers also mandated duties for the committee, but they did not fund them.
Cass County complied with the law by appointing committee members to three-year terms, but did not fund the committee itself when the state failed to do so, according to County Administrator Terry Proctor.
Effective Oct. 1, 2004, the law was amended to allow the advisory committee to be appointed, but not requiring it.
The state still did not fund it, so Thursday the Board of Commissioners disbanded the committee on a motion by Commissioner Gordon Bickel, R-Constantine.
Members previously named to the Friend of the Court Citizens Advisory Group were: Marie Anderson, advocate for children; David Dalmer, non-custodial parents representative; Robin Dudlak, custodial parents representative; Philip Harrison, attorney who engages primarily in family law practice; Marilyn Christensen, mental health professional who provides family counseling; the sheriff or his designee; and a member of the general public who could not serve in other categories (open).
Cass County commissioners on Thursday also approved the law enforcement contract between the county, Sheriff's Office, Village of Marcellus and Marcellus Township for law enforcement protection.
Village President Allen Fisk and township Supervisor John Grib signed the agreement Feb. 15.
Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood Jr. added his signature Feb. 23.
The Sheriff's Office provides 16 hours of coverage per day, Monday through Friday, and 12 hours per day on Saturday and Sunday.
The Village of Marcellus pays 52 percent of the $178,260 budget, $92,695, for the 2005 fiscal year.
The village further furnishes 100 percent of the $16,480 budget for crossing guards.
Marcellus Township is responsible for 48 percent of the budget, or $85,565, and 100 percent of telephone fees.
The Police Department office will be relocated in Marcellus Township Hall.
It will be the township's responsibility to supply office space, telephone, heating, electricity and other such items related to the building.
The sheriff or his representative will prepare a 2006 budget for presentation 60 days prior to Dec. 31, 2005.
Billings occur every quarter based on actual costs incurred during the preceding quarter. The village and township approve payment at their next scheduled board meeting.
Expenses over projected monthly costs shall be brought to the attention of the Police Committee at its next monthly meeting.
Two vehicles are assigned to Marcellus and the township.