Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sheriff road patrol funding
The sheriff's grant funds two deputies who cover rural areas without police service and handle serious crash investigations. Commissioners raised equity questions about coverage for uncontracted townships and privacy concerns about the traffic-data platform used for enforcement targeting.
Sheriff's Office conduct complaints
A Ypsilanti Township resident detailed ongoing disputes with the sheriff's office and prosecutor's office, including confiscated property. Commissioners noted the sheriff is independently elected and urged direct engagement.
Contract policing methodology and cost
The county has 82 authorized police service units serving 12 contract partners, but the 20-year-old pricing methodology breaks down when applied to actual costs. An RFP is out for a consultant to review it, with selection targeted for Q4 2026 — commissioners want full cost breakdowns including healthcare, which the county has been subsidizing.
Washtenaw Equity Partnership implementation
The WEP's 65 recommendations to address racial disparities in the county's criminal legal system have been stalled since 2024. CREW wants the county to hire a dedicated implementation manager, and Administrator Jackson says there's momentum to do it.
ICE enforcement activity in Washtenaw County
Nearly a dozen speakers urged the board to keep fighting the federal lawsuit over its ICE-free zone policy, including the children of a detained Ypsilanti father. Commissioners across the board pledged to stand firm, calling the lawsuit a badge of honor.
E-911 dispatch surcharge increase
The Sheriff's proposal to raise the 43-cent 911 surcharge (unchanged since 2013) and put it on the November ballot failed 4-5 after fire chiefs and township leaders asked for shared governance and more planning time.
Community violence intervention funding gap
Leaders of Supreme Felons Inc. told the board their grant-funded violence intervention work has run out of money, saying violence is ticking back up in Ypsilanti-area neighborhoods. Commissioner Hodge acknowledged the funding lapse and said the county is exploring ways to sustain the work.
Sycamore Meadows sewage crisis
Raw sewage backups at a 262-unit subsidized Superior Township apartment complex displaced families; the county hired a contractor to clear the sewer system and temporarily housed affected families, while HUD and Congressman Dingman's office are engaged.
Supreme Felons funding gap
Leaders of Supreme Felons Inc. told the board their grant-funded violence intervention work has run out of money, saying violence is ticking back up in Ypsilanti-area neighborhoods. Commissioner Hodge acknowledged the funding lapse and said the county is exploring ways to sustain the work.
Sheriff's office grants, budgets and accountability
Commissioners grilled the sheriff's office on two traffic grants cut by a combined ~$275,000, worried about general fund shortfalls and unequal enforcement. The road patrol grant got tabled; the strategic enforcement grant squeaked through 7-2. Separate public comment criticized the fatal Prospect Road shooting and Cross Street SWAT operation.
Conditions at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility
Advocate Trische Duckworth reported a pattern of sepsis deaths among incarcerated women and asked commissioners to use FOIA powers to obtain death records; commissioners thanked her and pledged continued attention.
Proof-of-citizenship voting ballot proposal
The board unanimously opposed a circulating ballot petition that would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters said it would disenfranchise married women, students, seniors, and low-income voters; a few residents argued it protects election integrity.