KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Monday, Kalamazoo City Commissioners held a public hearing on their next budget, which featured several speakers who braved the pandemic and cold weather.
The board heard complaints they aren’t doing enough for the homeless, that an automated system that reads license plates should be dismantled, and a few about spending on Public Safety.
One item scratched from the Public Safety budget includes a half a million dollar rolling Emergency Command Center.
Commissioner Chris Praedel says with all the city’s pressing problems, there are higher priorities.
“Investing $550,000 in a chunk of steel that’s gonna sit in a parking lot for 360 days is not gonna impact people in this community in the way that we need to see it happen,” Praedel said.
City Manager Jim Ritsema says the city will proceed with the hiring of an emergency management director, who they will work with to refine what will be required for the job.
Commissioners will take a final vote on the 2022 budget on January 17.
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