MONTCALM COUNTY, (AP) -- Montcalm County Sheriff officials say significant budget cuts have caused the west Michigan department to end around-the-clock patrols.
Sheriff William Barnwell says Monday the cuts mark the first time in his 38 years with the department that deputies have not staffed 24-hour shifts.
The county faces a $733,000 deficit and is cutting $345,000 from the Sheriff's Department's budget. The cuts took effect Monday.
Barnewell tells MLive.com he is "very concerned" about the impact the cuts will have on public safety.
Barnwell says he will work with local and state police to cover gaps, but it is becoming much more difficult with fewer police officers on duty.
A 0.6-mill proposal that would generate about $971,000 a year for two years is on the Nov. 6 ballot.
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