Board of Commissioners Meeting | May 6, 2026

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on May 6, 2026, with significant focus on a proposed child care early learning millage to be placed on the August 4, 2026 ballot. The discussion included detailed deliberations on the millage’s duration, funding levels, and eligible age groups, with commissioners debating whether to limit the millage to children aged 0 to 5 or expand it for greater flexibility, particularly to support programs like Tri-Share that assist working families and employers. The board ultimately amended the millage term from 10 to 8 years and maintained the 0.5 mill rate, emphasizing the importance of the millage as both a child care support and an economic development tool. Additionally, the board reviewed budget adjustments, including capital improvement projects such as a parking garage funded with county cash, and discussed reallocating funds for urgent facility repairs like jail chiller replacement. Public comments highlighted community support and opposition to the child care millage, reflecting concerns about tax burdens and the need for affordable child care. The meeting also included updates on public transit services and recognition of long-serving county employees.