November 9, 2026 Committee of the Whole

The City of Kalamazoo Committee of the Whole met November 9, 2026, to review the proposed 2027 budget. Staff described a balanced general fund, unchanged operating and solid-waste millages, and a citywide capital investment plan of about $102 million, with more than $12 million identified for street and utility infrastructure; approximately 85% of capital funding is expected to come from borrowing. Major projects discussed included about $20 million for wastewater treatment plant work and planned north-side drainage and flooding improvements, with related street, wastewater, and potentially water-system work expected to begin in 2027 and continue into 2028. Staff said several contracts for CIP projects could appear on the November 16 commission agenda; no contract awards or budget votes occurred at this meeting.

Other proposed allocations included $350,000 for a citywide operational performance assessment, just over $1.5 million for the housing development fund, $250,000 for summer recreation programming, and $75,000 for sports-court resurfacing and trail maintenance. A $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for Milham Park improvements was discussed; the grant agreement was expected to come to the commission for approval in the coming weeks, after which the project could go out to bid. The commission also discussed budget priorities, staffing, revenue and capital funding, and community input. The proposed budget is scheduled to return for discussion November 16, with a vote anticipated December 7; public comments may also be submitted online. No procurement action was approved at this meeting.