Portage · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Portage public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Retirement plan transition hits former employees
A former city employee says the switch from Mission Square to MERS converted her outstanding 401(a) loan into a taxable distribution without notice — a $4,800 tax bill due for 2026, with records locked. She warned others could be affected; the mayor promised a formal response before month's end.
KCTA Millage Renewal on August 2026 Ballot
A 0.36-mill, seven-year Kalamazoo transportation millage supporting Metro Connect paratransit will appear on the August 2026 ballot.
FY 2026-27 budget and 2026 tax levy
The proposed budget is balanced, with a $37.9 million General Fund (up just over 4%), about $9.8 million for the Portage Road project, and roughly $1.3 million more in debt. The public can review it on OpenGov and weigh in at budget sessions April 21 and May 12.