KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Taxpayers in Kalamazoo County will be asked on May 5 to renew a law enforcement millage vital for the operations of several local police agencies.
Local officials say it’s critical for the millage to pass again. It funds nearly half of the budget of the Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and a good share of the budgets at Kalamazoo County’s sheriff’s department, jail and animal services. It also provides some money to local courts.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says that’s likely why it’s so popular with voters.
“(It has been given) a favorable ‘yes’ every time since 1980,” Fuller said.
It was originally approved to go up to 1.5 mills. However, because of the Headlee Amendment, which reverses the affect of inflation on bond issues, it has now shrunk to a 1.45-mill request.
– John McNeill
