KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Despite threats of protests and recalls, the Kalamazoo County Board has voted to uphold the Health Department’s school mask mandate.
They were forced to take action at a special meeting last night because of a state budget clause that could strip county Health Departments of all state funding for a year, beginning October 1. That’s $7.8-million for health services provided locally.
Republicans on the County Board said all this would go away if the Health Director lifted the mandate. But Chair Tracy Hall and most other commissioners feel it’s a question of public safety, not politics…
The board, which has been bombarded by comments, and even threats at times about the issue, heard from more angry callers last night. They also heard from folks supporting the mask mandate and their stance to continue it.
The Board voted 7 to 4 to continue the mandate and maintain health funding.
The Governor did not veto the measure. Saying it is unconstitutional, and therefore unenforceable. Kent and Ottawa counties have also decided to keep their mask mandates at schools for now. Mask mandates at schools in Allegan, Barry, and Eaton counties have been rescinded.
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