5/3/24 - Next Week Is Election Day In Michigan

Tuesday, May 7 will be the next Election Day in Michigan. Various issues will be on the ballot and many will vote on school-related proposals.

The first Tuesday in May 2024, is May 7th and that means Election Day here in Michigan. 

There are no statewide or national items on the ballot, but several communities do have issues that voters will decide. 

Some local issues on the ballot include:

KENT COUNTY

• Comstock Park Public Schools Sinking Fund Millage
• Kentwood City Charter Amendment
• Kenowa Hills Public Schools Bond Proposal
• Lowell Area Schools Bond Proposal

OTTAWA COUNTY

• Grand Haven Area Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal
• Holland Charter Township Bicycle Path Millage Proposal
• Hudsonville Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal
• Hudsonville Public Schools Operating Millage
• Jenison Public Schools Bond Proposal
• West Ottawa Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal
• Zeeland Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal

MUSKEGON COUNTY

• Holton Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal
• Muskegon Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal
• Muskegon Heights City Council (1 partial term)
• North Muskegon Public Schools Bond Proposal
• Ravenna Public Schools Bond Proposal 1
• Ravenna Public Schools Bond Proposal 2
  • Proposal 1 could generate $10 million to renovate Beechanau Elementary and provide technology updates at other buildings. Proposal 2 would help with updates to the middle school's HVAC system, upgrade the high school performing arts spaces, along with playground improvements at Beechanau Elementary.
• White Lake Fire Authority Millage

Meanwhile, the Kent County Board of Commissioners voted to let residents decide on a potential increase to the county's lodging tax.

Those who spoke up during the public comment period overwhelmingly supported the tax increase.

Currently, there is a 5% lodging tax in Kent County and that could increase to 8%.  The extra money would help to support several large projects in Grand Rapids including a riverfront amphitheater, a professional soccer stadium and possibly an aquarium.

Michigan House Bill 5048 was signed into law earlier this year and allows the county to consider such an increase.

Kent County voters will now decide on Aug. 6 whether or not the lodging tax will be increased.