The Chamber has endorsed two important proposals on the November 7 ballot to advance our community: the Kent District Library (KDL) millage and Grand Rapids Public School bond (GRPS) proposal.
KDL Background
Voters in the KDL service area will vote on a reduced operating millage to fund physical and digital collections, employee costs, programs and events, tech tutoring and other services and expenses.
- 90% of KDL funding comes from the millage.
- This proposal is a renewal of the property tax at a 10.9% lower rate than currently in place.
- As Kent County continues to grow, taxable real estate has grown with it providing more revenue. This allows for a lower tax rate reduction without sacrificing the services proposed by KDL, creating a tax cut for property owners.
Chamber Perspective on KDL Millage
- Supporting KDL provides services to residents that accelerate educational and learning outcomes. Without this bond support, KDL will no longer be able to operate.
- The Chamber applauds KDL leadership for reducing the millage rate and recognizing the growth of our community.
GRPS Background
GRPS is seeking voter approval of a 20-year, $305 million bond proposal to fund capital, technology and security projects.
- The bond is the same rate as the 2004 & 2015 bonds, 3.85 mills.
- Educational building construction, consolidation improvements, renovations of auditoriums and athletic facilities, technology upgrades, playground improvements, and safety & security improvements will be paid for with the bond.
- GRPS buildings are currently at 51% utilization for student capacity. This proposal will allow GRPS to consolidate educational space and will alleviate an estimated $145 million in deferred maintenance costs.
Chamber Perspective on GRPS Bond
- A stable, strong and growing GRPS will retain and attract families, talent and job providers in Grand Rapids. They need 21st infrastructure to make this a reality and the business community urges support.
- Chamber leadership will continue to engage with GRPS on improving outcomes and how school property can best be utilized if no longer needed.
Resources for Chamber Members
More information on the proposals can be found here:
- Apply to vote, find your polling location, get an absentee ballot, view your sample ballot and more here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
Questions? Contact Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President, at andy@grandrapids.org.
