Lindsay Moore
MLive.com, Walker, Mich.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo County’s finances and manpower will be strained to keep social distancing enforced on the water, the sheriff said.
After extending the stay-at-home order to May 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer loosened restrictions on outdoor activities such as gardening, golfing and boating.
Michiganders immediately took advantage of the loosened restrictions and warmer weather.
Although the governor warned that these activities still needed to be practiced within social distancing guidelines, the regulation of those guidelines is left up to local law enforcement.
Concerns are already mounting over rumored statewide budget cuts that will have ripple effects at the county level, Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller said.
“The dollars used for this are disappearing quicker than the need for this,” he said.
Last year, the sheriff’s office received $25,000 for the marine department from the state, Fuller said. Additionally, the department received $5,000 from lake associations to help fund the service.
Together those funds still do not cover a full time salary or the maintenance and repairs needed, Fuller said. The remainder of the funds needed come from the county’s general fund, he said.
Currently, part time officers patrol lakes based on need and will continue doing so, Fuller said.
“We’re going to work hard with the budget dollars to try and figure out what lakes get attention,” he said. “But to go out and try to enforce the six foot distance on lakes is going to be beyond an incredible feat.”
As a result of the tight budget and staffing situation, Fuller said it’s up to the public to be responsible and continue social distancing measures. So far, no citations have been handed out for violations of the executive order, Fuller said.
“We can’t be everywhere,” he said. “We can’t physically put a mask on every person. We can’t arrest all the people who don’t follow these executive orders or even write them a citation.”
The sheriff said he appreciates the community members who are doing their part and asks that everyone considers themself a community partner in the fight against COVID-19.
“We’re not everywhere but our community partners are,” he said. “We’re a team and we’ve got to do this together.”
©2020 MLive.com, Walker, Mich.