Portage · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Portage public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Property tax late-charge waiver request
A resident was hit with $369.45 in penalty and interest after missing one tax bill, and the council waived the penalty portion. Members agreed the city should explore email, text, or phone reminders like those used for delinquent water bills.
Employee health insurance contract renewal
The city was set to sign a one-year deal with Blue Care Network for employee health coverage at about $3.46 million. It's one of the city's bigger annual expenses and affects the benefits package for city workers.
Election of Mayor Pro Tempore
The council was scheduled to choose its Mayor Pro Tempore, who presides in the mayor's absence. It's an internal leadership decision but shapes who holds the gavel when the mayor is away.
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.
Micro-LAM industrial tax abatement certificate transfer
Two unanimous abatements support Depatie Fluid Power's $4.8 million expansion at Sprinkle and Milham — 149 jobs expected within two years — plus a speculative suite next door awaiting a tenant. The city gives up nine years of property tax revenue on the improved value to attract and keep industrial employers.
Purchasing ordinance revision
The city is updating its purchasing and sales rules; the amendment got first reading Tuesday, with final adoption expected July 21.
Countywide childcare millage proposal
A campaign representative pitched the August ballot's 0.5-mill, eight-year childcare millage, which would raise $6.3 million in year one to expand care for babies and toddlers, raise provider wages and lower costs for working families.
Parks & Recreation kitchen renovation funding
The council rejected nearly $236,000 in kitchen renovation and equipment contracts for the Parks and Recreation building, questioning demand, cost recovery and duplicating the Senior Center kitchen. It may return through the CIP process.
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.