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May 4th - Voting? Discussion welcome.
This is from my sister, whose H works for the state:
There's a vote on Tuesday, May 4 for a millage increase in GR. If you were planning to vote, please vote yes on it. If you weren't planning to vote, please plan to now. The increase comes out to about $100/year for families making over $50k.
If the measure fails, the city plans to eliminate 20 cops, some firefighters, close all city parks, remove park/playground equipment, and only cut the grass when it gets to be 10" high (there's some law about letting it get longer). SO, if you like GR, vote yes. If you would rather live in Gotham City, vote no or don't vote.
Did you know this? I am severely uninformed when it comes to stuff like this, plus we've been out of town and out of any GR-related loops.
Re: May 4th - Voting? Discussion welcome.
I've been thinking about this and actually thought about posting to get people's thoughts. i don't like the idea of higher taxes, i'm sure there are still probably a few areas in the budget that can be reduce, money spent more wisely,etc (but I'm sure it is way better than even five years ago). However, GR is very luck in that there are still many people that want to live here, right in the city. It isn't like other cities like Flint, with a ton of run down areas. I'm afraid that even more budget cuts could be a slippery slope. A few things here which makes people think twice about moving to the city or want to move out, then there are less people, less of a tax base, and more cuts and more people moving out.
Who is going to want to live in a place with no parks and reduce law-enforcement? That doesn't seem very family-friendly.
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I did know about this. I've seen an article or two about it on Mlive and WZZM did a story on it early this week.
I don't know too many of the details though. I'm not in the city of GR, so its not on my ballot.
She also said there are similar issues on those in Kentwood and Wyoming.
I don't know where you are
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Yes, I knew about it.
WOOD actually did a helpful story (for once) earlier this month where they talked to home insurance assessors. They explained that homeowners will be paying more whether they like it or not...even if they vote "No." Here's why:
1. Millage fails because too many people are whiny and don't want higher taxes
2. City makes major cuts to police/fire coverage, resulting in larger coverage areas for remaining personnel and thus longer response times
3. Homeowners insurance goes up because emergency coverage to the home is decreased
I'm in Walker.
I should figure out what's on my ballot actually. I know there are school board elections, but that's all I know. Thanks for bringing this up as a reminder. I'm off to research...
I hadn't heard about this either, but I did hear about all the cuts that are proposed to be made to GRPS (like their after school programs, etc.).
I'm not in this voting area either, but appreciate the notice about what's going on with our city.
I'm in Wyoming, and this issue is on our ballot as well. I'm normally not for extra taxes and millages, but in this case, it's public safety we are talking about. Essential needs like fire fighters and police officers. I don't understand why anyone would vote no for protection of our safety. I'm lucky in the fact that I have never needed to call 911, but if I ever do, I want to know that I will be assisted in a timely manner.
If this passes, our taxes will go up about $100 for the year, that's $8.33 a month or 27 cents a day, all for peace of mind and protection. I'd gladly pay more if necessary to keep me, my family, and my home safe.
Especially if the grass is 10 inches high! That's just bad form.
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