KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Buoyed by cash from the Foundation for Excellence, Kalamazoo City Commissioners took their first look at their 2019 budget proposal Monday night.
The 181-million dollar spending plan includes a lot more for capital improvements.
City Manager Jim Ritsema says they plan improve several city parks as well and continue their expedited plan to remove lead service lines from the city’s water system.
It will total far more than they have been spending on the infrastructure, about four times as much.
The Commission plans a couple of work sessions on the budget, with a public hearing at their first meeting in January and a final vote at their second meeting.
It appears they have also come to agreement with Metro Transit and the Kalamazoo Public Schools on a deal that will give the city’s teens a new found freedom.
When students at Kalamazoo High Schools get their new school I.D.’s next fall, it will not only double as a library card, but it will also be a free pass to ride the Metro Transit System.
Mayor Bobby Hopewell says it will be a real problem solver. Teens will be able to get to jobs, programs and other opportunities.
He says teens now have to pay privately for driver’s ed. and a car is beyond the reach of most youngsters.
The Foundation for Excellence will be picking up the tab for the rides.
