SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
A group of concerned citizens says they will go door to door Monday evening, voicing their opposition to residents about a police outsourcing proposal.
City of Saginaw leaders are looking to trim about $2 million from their public safety budget. Those officials put out requests to various agencies, seeking proposals on how much it would cost to contract out certain city services.
Last week, Sheriff Bill Federspiel handed his proposal over to Saginaw leaders. At a minimum cost of about $9 million the first year, he says he provide 137 new positions, including 108 sworn officers. Not long after that, those loyal to "city police" services voiced their strong opposition to the proposal.
And that led to the sheriff saying, "I want to let everyone know I am not negotiating with the city. I am not negotiating with the city. The city and the POAM (Police Officers Association of Michigan) need to work out their differences. They have negotiated a contract. I am not in a position of authority for either party, nor have I advocated a position for either party other than what is fair and right. And what is fair and right is the union and the city continue to negotiate with one another."
There are 20 different neighborhood watch organizations in the city of Saginaw. All were invited to take part in the door-to-door campaign.
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