“Walker has experienced growth that has brought increased demand for emergency services.”
And to pay for those services in a YouTube video, mayor Gary Carey says Walker is asking voters to approve a one-point seven five-mill property tax increase for public safety.
“To keep pace with our community's changing needs.”
The millage would raise about 3 million dollars next year, over its 10-year duration a total of 30 million or more. Deputy Chief Kevin DeGroot says the fire department would use the money to improve living quarters and staff all three fire stations around the clock.
“Limited staffing means there are times every day when we don't have firefighters who can respond to emergency calls.”
Deputy police chief Brandyn Heugel says they could build a new police station.
“We've outgrown our current police building.”
In November Kent County is also asking voters to approve a property tax increase to operate the jail, a millage renewal is on the ballot for the Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo and the Kenowa Hills school district in Walker is requesting a non-homestead millage renewal. The mayor says the public safety tax would add:
“The average homeowner would pay about $203 a year. That's $17 a month for public safety services.”
