West Bloomfield Township’s proposed 2027 budget includes $115,000 from police forfeiture funds for body armor and rifle suppressors.
The spending proposal appeared in the agenda packet for the Township Board’s special budget meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14. Several special funds were listed for review at the session.
The largest equipment item is $70,000 for hard body armor to protect officers in active shooter situations, encounters with heavily armed suspects and high-risk warrant service, according to the packet.
An additional $45,000 would buy suppressors for 42 new shared-use rifles included in the proposed 2027 police operating budget. Suppressors reduce the sound of gunfire.
The packet cites noise levels exceeding 165 decibels from unsuppressed rifle fire and the risk of immediate, permanent hearing damage from a single shot. It identifies hearing loss, tinnitus and associated workers’ compensation claims as reasons for the purchase.
Both purchases are listed for inclusion in the proposed 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Plan.
Where the money comes from
The township maintains three police forfeiture funds: Federal Treasury, Federal Justice and State of Michigan.
Revenue is unpredictable and can fluctuate widely from year to year, according to the packet. The township generally saves the money over multiple years for large, one-time capital purchases.
The packet identifies the $378,640 replacement of the Police Department’s armored rescue vehicle in 2025 as the most recent example.
Opioid settlement funds proposed for co-responder program
The meeting agenda also listed the Opioid Settlement Fund for review. The township estimates $71,423 in settlement revenue for 2027 and proposes spending $135,600 on a co-responder social worker service agreement with Oakland Community Health Network.
The regional program serves West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Franklin and Bingham Farms. Co-responders work alongside police on calls involving mental health or substance use concerns, providing crisis intervention and connections to services, according to Oakland Community Health Network.
The budget packet says the local pilot began in 2026 with Oakland County funding through the American Rescue Plan Act that supported it through Sept. 30. It describes plans to continue the partnership in 2027 under an interlocal agreement, with West Bloomfield as the largest partner community.
Residents can reach the township clerk’s office at 248-451-4848 or visit wbtownship.org for meeting information and public comment opportunities.
