City of Kentwood to Host Informational Meetups Ahead of Aug. 2 Millage Vote

City of Kentwood to Host Informational Meetups Ahead of Aug. 2 Millage Vote


The City of Kentwood will host meetups in several city parks June 20 to provide information and answer questions about the upcoming millage proposal.

Each meetup will feature Parks and Recreation staff and commissioners ready to discuss the Aug. 2 ballot proposal. The events will take place 6-7 p.m. at three city parks:

  • Northeast Park, 1900 Middleground Drive SE
  • Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE
  • Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Drive SE

Residents of all ages are welcome to attend. Ice cream and light refreshments will be available for those who participate.

“We’re looking forward to connecting with the community to discuss the future of Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreation,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Our team is ready to answer any questions residents may have about the millage proposal and our vision for the future.”

The August ballot proposal asks residents to consider a permanent dedicated millage of 1 mill that, if approved, will support the City’s parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming. It would fund improvements to all trails and parks, expand and enhance programming through increased capacity in space and staffing, and more.

A mill is 1/1000 of a dollar, or .001 cents. If a tax rate or millage rate is 1 mill, a resident is taxed .001 cents for every dollar, or $1 per $1,000 of the taxable value of the property. For example, for a residential home with a taxable value of $100,000, the cost of 1 mill would be $100 per year.

Kentwood is home to 15 parks that cover more than 400 acres and more than 13 miles of non-motorized trails that are used year-round by residents and visitors. Numerous community events and more than 700 recreational programs are offered annually for people of all ages and abilities through the Parks and Recreation Department.

More information on the proposed millage is available at kentwood.us/millage.