Genesee County Investigators Face Job Cuts as ARPA Funds End

Genesee County’s top prosecutor says four investigators who help put criminals behind bars could soon be out of a job unless the county steps up.

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Prosecutor David Leyton calls the team a 'critical piece of the puzzle' when it comes to building strong cases. But the federal stimulus funds that have paid their salaries since 2021 are about to run out.

Prosecutor Makes His Case

Leyton is asking the Genesee County Board of Commissioners to keep the retired police officers on for another 10 months, using about $128,000 from the county’s general fund and savings from his own budget. Commissioners were expected to start the discussion yesterday (November 5, 2025).

These investigators don’t replace local police, but they handle the critical behind-the-scenes work. They track down witnesses, fill in missing details, and make sure prosecutors have every piece of evidence ready for trial. Leyton says their work has helped win convictions that might have otherwise fallen apart.

ARPA Funds Running Out

The county originally used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, part of a $79 million federal windfall, to cover their salaries. But now those dollars are drying up, leaving the county to decide whether to fund the jobs locally.

County Leaders Weigh the Costs

Some commissioners are hesitant. Commissioner Brian Flewelling warned that while grants are helpful, they’re temporary. 'Grants dry up and go away,' he said. 'We can’t build a county government on grants.'

Leyton says the investigators have proven their worth. The prosecutor said:

Having our own independent investigators is a critical piece of the puzzle in the successful prosecution of cases.

The Board of Commissioners will now decide if the county can afford to keep them, or if these key players in the courtroom will have to hang it up for good.