By By JOHN EBY / Niles Daily Star
CASSOPOLIS -- Cass County commissioners Thursday night approved an agreement with Sheriff Joseph Underwood's office and Howard Township for police protection.
Supervisor Mike Sutherland and Clerk Shirley Tuttle signed the agreement for the township in April.
Howard Township provides funding for the services contract at a budgeted amount not to exceed $166,413.
The township is also responsible for continuing to supply office space, heating, electricity, telephone and fax.
The sheriff is responsible for preparing the 2005 budget, which must be presented 60 days prior to next March 31.
Billings will occur every month based on actual costs incurred during the preceding month. The township will pay the county within 30 days.
The Cass County Office of Sheriff will be responsible for billing the township.
The sheriff has the authority to assign, manage, direct, supervise, discipline and discharge employees affected by the agreement. Discipline and termination are subject to the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) agreement with the sheriff effective Jan. 1, 2001-Dec. 31, 2004.
The sheriff's office handles hiring for Howard Township.
All investigative support services and backup provided by the sheriff's office is made available for use by the Howard Township department at no additional charge. Current programs in place, such as community policing, will continue to be made available for use by the township force.
All officers assigned to the unit will patrol Howard Township exclusively 12 hours per day, seven days a week and may only be dispatched out of the township for 9-1-1 emergency priority calls. Any hours not completed in Howard Township will be deducted and noted on the monthly bill.
Any of the parties has the right to terminate the agreement upon 60 days written notice to the others.
The sheriff or his designee is required to attend monthly Howard Township meetings to keep its board abreast of activities. An annual report is also provided.
In addition, the sheriff or his designee is required to meet with the board to discuss activities within the township, problems which arise and other matters the parties deem relevant with respect to operating the Howard Township unit under terms of the agreement.