By Andrew Cluley
Ypsilanti, MI – More than 17-thousand valid signatures were collected requesting a public referendum on the county's plan to sell bonds to expand the Washtenaw County jail.
County commissioners certified the signatures Wednesday night, and county officials say that means bonds cannot be sold without a public vote.
County Administrator Bob Guenzel says he's not sure it makes sense to pay for an election when the outcome is likely known. He says he'll recommend that the county review public safety and justice needs.
Petition collectors say they hope county commissioners get the message delievered by citizens, and don't try to push jail expansion through at the expense of police protection.