Oakland County Council seeks resident support against police budget cuts amid salary increases

The January 27th, 2025 City Council Meeting in Rochester Hills focused on addressing budgetary concerns and community engagement regarding public safety funding. The council members discussed the implications of a recent 35% increase in costs imposed by the Oakland County Commissioners, which followed a controversial 21% salary raise for the commissioners themselves.

During the meeting, council members expressed their commitment to minimizing the impact of this budget increase on local services. They clarified that reallocating funds between different budget categories, such as parks and law enforcement, is not permissible under current regulations. This limitation poses challenges as the council seeks to manage the financial strain while maintaining essential services.

In a call to action, council members urged residents to voice their opinions on the matter. They emphasized the importance of community feedback, encouraging citizens to send emails and letters to express their views on police funding. The council aims to ensure that the perspectives of the broader community are represented, rather than allowing a small group of dissenting voices to dominate the discussion.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to explore viable solutions to address the budgetary challenges while fostering a collaborative dialogue with the community. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected as the council navigates these pressing issues.