The jobs of police officers and firefighters are on the line in Flint Township as township leaders work to close a more than $1 million budget deficit.

Under a proposed budget the police department is facing a more than $400,000 cut.  The police chief says as a result he would lose as many as 5 officers.  He believes the cuts could be made through attrition, but warns residents will see a cut in response time.

“Sometimes we just will have to run short,” says Chief George Sippert.  “We don't have the choice, and that impacts our response time.”

The township is also looking at cutting janitorial services at the police department. 

The fire department is being asked to cut more than $300,000 from its budget.  The fire chief warns this would force him to close the township’s third station.  That would mean an increase up to ten minutes in response times in some areas. The fire chief said his assistant chief has agreed to retire early for cost savings if the township decreases cuts enough to save the third fire station.

Township leaders warn this is only the beginning of budget problems. They predict property values will continue to decrease over the next few years, so what is saved his year, may be cut next year. 

There will be a public hearing on the Flint Township budget November 16^th at 4:30 pm.