Police Budget Request
Sheriff Borkovic has expressed necessity to raise law enforcement budget
Leelanau Sheriff Borkovich has suggested the current starting salary for incoming officers, $30 per hour, is too low to retain new hires in a challenging housing market. Several officers have left the Leelanau County ranks in recent months, straining the thin blue line. The commission approved sponsorships of deputies through the police academy, time will tell if this amounts to securing a stable force in the future. Attracting new deputies is an ongoing situation to monitor for years to come. Additionally, the Sheriff has signaled the need to replace the current body cams worn by deputies. As early body cam adopters, Leelanau County has seen their models become obsolete. Newer models feature the ability to obscure identities in cases with minors or domestic violence. I would support the expense to protect victims.
