Wyoming, Michigan, January 26, 2023 – In October, the Wyoming City Council approved a ballot proposal for the May 2023 election that, if approved, would provide funding to support critical public safety needs.
If approved, the proposal would generate an additional $4 million in revenue each year, supporting investment to improve public safety infrastructure for residents, businesses and visitors. The proposed millage rate increase is 1.5 mills. For a residential home with a taxable value at $100,000, the additional cost would be approximately $150 annually.
“This proposal supports the City of Wyoming’s commitment to community, safety and stewardship,” Mayor Kent Vanderwood said. “Our current revenues are not able to support the community’s public safety needs. Public Safety has seen an increase in the frequency and complexity of calls for service and resident surveys have clearly illustrated a need for additional, proactive traffic enforcement and community policing in our city.
“After hearing from voters last May, the City Council agreed that a dedicated millage for five years is the preferred way to fund these needs.”
The funding generated by the millage would allow the Wyoming Department of Public Safety to fund additional police and fire positions, significantly improving public safety by decreasing response times, enhancing crime prevention efforts and adding more proactive traffic enforcement.
“The safety of our residents and those who visit and live in our community remains our top priority,” Director of Public Safety Kim Koster said. “With the increase in frequency and complexity of calls, the dedicated millage will be critically important for funding our current operations and providing additional services such as proactive traffic enforcement and opening all four of the fire stations.”
If approved by voters, the millage would go into effect starting summer 2023.
Residents can learn more about the millage and the Public Safety Department at the below informational meetings:
- March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library, 3350 Michael Ave. SW
- March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Gezon Fire Station, 2300 Gezon Pkwy SW
- April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Police Department, 2300 De Hoop Ave.
Residents can also visit wyomingmi.gov/millage.