(SANDUSKY) — The Sanilac County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday afternoon and received an annual report from the Sanilac County Drug Task Force. Drug Task Force director Jim Johnson reported that the number of verifiable tips received in 2015 was up from the previous year, with 404 tips compared to the 252 received in 2014. Authorities carried out 87 drug related arrests in 2015, with over 174 separate charges and additional arrests pending. Detective Johnson also reported that cocaine and heroin use has increased in the last 12 months, with over 60 grams of heroin and cocaine seized in 2015–an increase from 2014 of almost 50 grams.
In other business, commissioners voted in favor of the purchase of four new patrol cars for the county sheriff’s department. Commissioner Jim Ruby voted against the measure, suggesting that the department instead purchase a lower horsepower version of patrol car to cut down on costs. Sheriff Garry Biniecki addressed the board on the issue, saying that he appreciates “the need to save a dollar, but it becomes a health and safety issue for my officers if they’re put in the standard vehicle.” Commissioner John Hoffman echoed this, stating that “we want the best for our officers, not the second best.” Following a lengthy and contentious discussion, commissioners voted three to one to purchase the higher horsepower vehicles, with Commissioner Ruby voting against the measure.
The Board of Commissioners meet again on Tuesday, March 14th in the commissioner’s chambers at 1:00 p.m.
