WSCC board to discuss Scottville policing agreement. 

WSCC board to discuss Scottville policing agreement. 

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — The West Shore Community College Board of Trustees will hold the first of two public hearings Monday, Sept. 21, during its regular board meeting, to discuss the formation of forming a public safety department at the college. Under the Michigan Community College Act of 1966, Act 31 of 1966, allows community colleges to form a police department. The college then intends to form an agreement with the City of Scottville to provide police coverage. The agreement would not take away the existing authority of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office or Michigan State Police from enforcing state laws on campus. 

“This type of agreement is not unique,” WSCC President Scott Ward states in a memorandum to the trustees. The WSCC/Scottville contract is modeled after the contract between Alpena Community College and the City of Alpena. 

In 2018, the WSCC board of trustees set aside $400,00 to be used to enhance college safety with the specific intent of public safety officers, Ward wrote. In 2019, the board negotiated with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office to provide a deputy for on-campus security. The Mason County Board of Commissioners did not approve the agreement. 

“The current agreement… is the result of efforts over the last year to secure a different partner,” Ward said. “Mason County Central School District is entering into a similar agreement with the City of Scottville to enhance safety at school district properties. Through this three-way collaboration, the City of Scottville will also benefit from an additional officer on its police department. I am pleased that through this collaboration, all three parties are strengthening each other and better protecting the communities we serve.” 

WSCC will reimburse the City of Scottville for the cost of a new vehicle. If the agreement ends before five years, the City of Scottville has the option to reimburse the college for a depreciated amount or re-title the vehicle to the college. The first year contract costs are estimated at $75,000. On-going costs will be about $25,000 per year with cost increase adjustments, which should last over 10 years, Ward said. 

Scottville City Attorney Carlos Alvarado is currently finalizing a draft agreement with MCC to provide school resource officer services to the district. 

“This agreement between WSCC, the City of Scottville, and Mason County Central Schools is nothing but beneficial for all three entities,” Mayor Bruce Krieger said. “This will allow our police department to not only provide additional coverage of our school within the city but also to provide additional protection for students and staff at the college. It will also allow the city to add an additional patrol officer. This process began well over a year ago and we are looking forward to this great new relationship with both entities.” 

The WSCC Board of Trustees meet at 4 p.m. in the Administrative and Conference Building’s MBT Conference Room. The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom. 

To join the Zoom meeting, follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/98852775661?pwd=SFl0VGVjcTJSNjNqdFZ2QmxZV3lrZz09  The passcode is: 711090

Those wishing to access the meeting via telephone may call 1-301-715-8592 and follow the prompts using the meeting identification number: 988 5277 5661

The Scottville City Commission will hear an update on the plan from City Manager Courtney Magaluk. It meets at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21 at the main pavilion at Scottville Riverside Park. No action is expected. 

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