KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County voters have approved a new millage to fund childcare for preschoolers, but it will be a while before its functioning.
First they need to collect the money, which won’t come until December tax bills.
County Health Director Deb Lenz says they plan to be ready to go when the money does come in, and will be hiring two staff members and setting up committees to begin planning immediately.
“Since the election, there has been a lot of community interest in implementing the child millage and that interest speaks volumes to us. We think that’s an asset.”
One committee will be tasked with setting up the program, the second will be established to operate the program, with the county board approving their membership and recommendations.
“Principles include ensuring community voices are heard, investing where the barriers are the greatest. But ensuring every community within our county benefits from the millage.”
She says evaluations will be key element to make sure the funding is being spent wisely and producing results.
“We want to invest boldly, listen to the community with their needs, address inequities and also demonstrate results during this first year.”
The implementation framework is similar to the ones used by the county to spend funding from the senior and veterans millages, with input from the public, recommendations from experts and oversite by the county commission.
If all goes as planned, young parents could begin seeing benefits early next year.
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