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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.