KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The Kalamazoo City Commission will meet in special session at 4 p.m. next Monday to discuss the final report of their Blue Ribbon Revenue Task Force.
The task force had five recommendations, none of which will generate the general fund dollars needed by the city to erase multi-million dollar deficits projected in the next five budgets.
They recommended setting up a consolidated 911 dispatch and filling vacant lots — two things that were already being done.
They also suggested piggybacking on Kalamazoo County’s law enforcement millage, which is up for renewal in about three months. The county board has already approved the language for the next six years and it does not contain additional funding for the city.
The panel also proposed regional consolidation of the water utilities, which is an enterprise fund and doesn’t impact the general fund.Their fifth recommendation, which is to privatize parking, may not actually save any money.
There are also a dozen other options the task force explored that commissioners may explore. City Manager Jim Ritsema said it’s the commission’s call.
“Ultimately, though, the authority rests with the city commission and, in the case of ballot issues, city voters,” Ritsema said.
The meeting will be held at the Metro Transit Offices on Rose Street.
– John McNeill
EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story indicated the meeting was taking place on Feb. 15. The meeting will not take place until next Monday. This correction has been reflected in the story, and we apologize for the error.
