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PAGE 6 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN October 13, 2022

WAYNE - WESTLAND
WAYNE - WESTLAND

Wayne voters asked for 8-mill tax hike

In addition to choosing three the market value of a home, “friendly” lawsuit which the city
city council members, Wayne vot- would cost the owner of a ” did not defend in 2020, the city
ers will be asked to approve a $100,000 home in the city about The city is currently levying was ordered by the court to levy
new 8-mill tax hike on the Nov. 8 $400 annually. 13 mills to pay the pension costs.
ballot. City officials have stated that the maximum tax amount The city is currently levying
The new tax levy will be used the pension obligations are too allowed by state law. the maximum tax amount
to help fund the pension obliga- steep for the current tax revenue allowed by state law and must
tions of the city toward retired collected. They claim that nearly have voter approval to increase
public safety employees, accord- 40 percent of the city budget is pension fund within the next two that while the city has 202 taxes any further. Voters have
ing to city officials. The new tax, paid into the pension fund. years and does not have a rev- retirees collecting pension pay- rejected requests for increased
which is $1 for every $1,000 of Officials claim that the city will enue base to make those pay- ment, only 76 current employees millages from the city twice in
assessed valuation, usually half owe another $16 million into the ments. Currently, officials claim are paying into the fund. In a past elections.
New officers join Westland

Last week, new officers of Dorr, and obtained an associ- agencies are struggling to
Patricia Harris and Joshua ate's degree in applied sciences recruit and hire officers and
Cardenas officially joined the from Grand Rapids Community there are simply more openings
Westland Police Department. College, and is a graduate of the than interested candidates.
Harris, who grew up in Grand Valley State University “The city is very happy to be
Brownstown Township, said Police Academy. He started his able to swear in two quality and
she always wanted to pursue a law enforcement career in 2018 experienced police officers to
career in law enforcement and with Roosevelt Park and then join the Westland Police
finally decided to chase her Waterford Township. While in Department which has nearly
dream in 2020 when she joined Waterford Township he was a 56 years of tradition and a
the Detroit Police Department field training officer, use of proud history which includes
where she served for two years force instructor and an instruc- more than 300 men and women
before joining Westland. tor in rifle, taser and firearms. who have taken the oath to
Cardenas was born and raised Westland officials noted that serve and protect our commu-
Patricia Harris in the small west Michigan town currently all law enforcement nity,” they said. Joshua Cardenas
Death of Wayne police therapy dog is mourned

Zeke, the first accredited ther- December of 2019 and quickly "We deeply appreciate the
apy dog of the Wayne Police became an asset to the communi- community's support throughout
Department, died last week fol- ty and to officers who face stress- Zeke's time at Wayne PD. The
lowing a battle with cancer. ful situations on a daily basis, therapy dog program does not
Members of the department officials said. All expenses for end with Zeke.
and the community are mourn- Zeke, including all training, dog “Zeke has already inspired
ing the loss of Zeke who had supplies, veterinarian checks, therapy dog programs at multiple
become a popular figure in the membership to the therapy dog other police departments. Zeke
community, attending multiple association, and other costs were will not be the last therapy dog at
city events and welcoming visi- paid personally by Wayne Police Wayne PD.
tors to the police station. Police Chief Ryan Strong. "If anyone wishes to honor our
officials said that the positive In an announcement last friend Zeke's memory, please
impact Zeke had in the commu- week, posted on the Wayne consider a donation to First Step.
nity and the department inspired Police Facebook page, the Their Ark program allows sur-
several other local departments department expressed senti- vivors of domestic and sexual
to invest in therapy dogs. ments regarding the loss of their assault to stay with their pets in a
Zeke joined the department in beloved companion. safe place," the post concluded. Zeke