Grand Rapids, Mich. — Voters across West Michigan cast their ballots in Tuesday’s election, weighing in on more than 50 local races and ballot proposals that spanned a variety of issues, from public safety funding to school upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
While not all communities had measures on the ballot, many municipalities, particularly townships, asked voters to approve new or renewed public safety millages to help fund vital services.
In Allendale, a significant bond proposal from the school district seeking $88 million for district-wide improvements was rejected for the second consecutive time. The proposed upgrades included a new high school cafeteria, a relocated wood shop, and a field house. The bond would have kept the current tax rate steady at 12 mills through 2042, but voters ultimately did not approve the measure.
Meanwhile, in several other local townships, voters passed proposals aimed at bolstering public safety. Ferris Township in Montcalm County and Port Sheldon Township in Ottawa County each saw fire or public safety millages pass, intended to increase staffing and upgrade emergency equipment. The full results for similar proposals in Woodland Township (Barry County), Emmett Township (Calhoun County), Muskegon Township (Muskegon County), and Bridgeton Township (Newaygo County) were still pending as of the latest updates.
Muskegon Township officials were particularly hopeful as they asked voters to approve a 5.25 millage to replace the 2.68 millage that expired earlier this year. Without the additional funding, township leaders warned that general fund-backed services could be impacted, potentially reducing the level of safety services provided to the community. Muskegon Township Supervisor Jennifer Hodges emphasized the importance of passing the proposal, acknowledging that residents were already facing financial pressures but urging them to consider the long-term benefits of maintaining a well-funded public safety system.
“I know this is a heavy burden on them, especially right now, but we’re trying to provide them with the service they deserve, and that’s going to keep us the safest,” Hodges said, stressing that the new levy would appear on December tax bills if approved.
School districts also played a major role in the election, with several school-related bond and millage proposals on the ballot. Northview Public Schools in Kent County proposed extending its current bond to fund ongoing improvements, while Parchment School District in Kalamazoo County saw its school bond rejected. The proposal, which would have increased the tax rate by about 1 mill, was unable to gain sufficient voter support.
Voters in Otsego also considered a school bond, and in Ottawa County, residents in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District decided on a renewal of the existing 1.2 mills, along with a 0.5-mill restoration for special education services. The outcome of these school-related proposals was still being determined.
For those looking to stay up-to-date on the election results, the Michigan Secretary of State’s website offers comprehensive information on what was on the ballot and how communities voted.
