Proposed cuts in Montcalm County led to a large turnout at the Board of Commissioners meeting Monday afternoon.
A $1.5-million shortfall is forcing county departments to look at ways to save money.
It was standing-room only at the meeting in Stanton as people urged commissioners to proceed cautiously before cutting programs.
Proposed cuts to Animal Control and county parks raised concerns from several speakers. One Montcalm County sheriff's deputy says proposed cuts to law enforcement would jeopordize the safety of residents.
"We night not be able to respond to a crucial call in a timely fashion because our deputy staff had been decimated," said Deputy Michael Kotenko. "Public safety should be our number-one priority and the last thing that should be cut.''
Montcalm County voters in March turned down a Headlee override millage proposal.
The funding shortfall has brought about the need for cuts from county programs.
The board voted against eliminating Animal Control and the animal shelter. Commissioners also tabled a decision on closing county parks.
