KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo County board will hold their annual statutory meeting Tuesday to finalize the 2025 budget, but they first have to resolve a couple of controversial questions.
First is a proposal to grant commissioners a 100% pay raise from around $19,000 to about $40,000 annually.
Commissioner Monteze Morales has been one of the strongest advocates for the hike.
But vice chair pro tempore Jeff Heppler says he has a “terrible problem” with that number.
Former board chair Dave Buskirk has also sent a letter, calling it inappropriate for commissioners to double their income when they are only offering county employees 3% more.
Resident Zachary Lasiter also chided the board for the proposal.
The board may also have to decide whether they will renew funding for the YWCA’s reproductive health care program.
YWCA representatives made the request at the last county meeting.
It attracted public opposition last year because it provides abortions and gender affirming treatments to the poor.
The commission will hold a public hearing on the budget proposal Tuesday evening and take a final vote on the 2025 spending plan at their next meeting in two weeks.
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