Special Election Brings Renewal Battles and Controversy to Kalamazoo County Polls

*KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI* — Kalamazoo County residents heading to the polls on May 5, 2026, face a critical choice on seven ballot proposals that will shape the region's schools and trash services for years to come. The off-cycle special election, which typically sees lower voter turnout, presents voters with three millage renewals, three bond proposals, and one ordinance amendment that could have lasting financial impacts.

"These proposals require voters in order for decisions to be made," the election notice states. "While off-cycle elections notoriously experience low turnout — the May 2025 special election only received ballots from 20% of Kalamazoo County's registered voters."

The election takes place at 33 local polling locations across the county, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. The last day to register to vote is Monday, April 20, 2026, with absentee ballots available for those who cannot vote in person.

School Millages Face Renewal Deadline

Three property tax millages currently serving Kalamazoo County schools face expiration and require voter approval to continue funding essential services. Without these measures, school districts would face significant budget shortfalls that could impact everything from special education to building maintenance.

KRESA Special Education Millage Renewal

The most widespread millage on the ballot is a Special Education Millage Renewal and Restoration Proposal for the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA). This intermediate school district serves nine communities across Kalamazoo County, including Climax-Scotts, Comstock, Galesburg-Augusta, Gull Lake, Kalamazoo, Parchment, Portage, Schoolcraft, and Vicksburg.

"These funds are distributed to all nine school districts KRESA works with for special education," said Dedrick Martin, superintendent of KRESA. "School districts are mandated to have special education programs. Without these funds, they'd take money from other areas such as athletics and general education."

Currently authorized at 1.4862 mills, the proposal would renew the millage for six years (2027-2032) and increase it by 0.0138 mills to restore the rate originally approved by voters in 2021. The approved rate would be 1.5 mills, generating approximately $16.8 million annually from local property taxes.

"If this millage is not passed, there'd be a loss of just under $500 per student," Martin explained.

Colon Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage

A second millage renewal proposal would allow Colon Community Schools — serving students in St. Joseph, Branch, and Kalamazoo Counties — to continue levying its building and site sinking fund millage. This measure was originally approved in 2018 and would be renewed at the current rate of 1.2906 mills until 2034.

The millage would generate an estimated $328,989 annually and is intended to serve as a dedicated savings account for long-term building repairs, renovations, and safety improvements. The measure would not change the current tax rate for residents.

Mattawan Consolidated Schools Operating Millage

The third millage renewal would allow Mattawan Consolidated Schools to continue operating under a statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property except principal residences and other exempt property. The proposal would renew the millage for four years (2027-2030) at the current rate of 19.4227 mills.

If approved and levied at the maximum 18 mills, the district would collect approximately $4.075 million annually. This renewal is essential for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance from the state.

Bond Proposals Target Infrastructure and Services

Three bond proposals on the ballot would fund capital improvements and infrastructure upgrades across Kalamazoo County, addressing everything from school facilities to waste management systems.

Portage Township Trash System Ordinance Amendment

Perhaps the most controversial proposal on the ballot is an ordinance amendment affecting the Portage Township trash system. This measure addresses what local officials describe as a critical issue in waste management services.

The proposal has generated debate among residents and business owners in the township, with concerns centering on service costs, contract decisions, and long-term financial sustainability. The ordinance amendment would give the township authority to manage its trash services under new guidelines.

"Millages, bonds, and a hot-button trash issue will be on the ballot May 5. Find out what you need to know to vote," reads a NowKalamazoo election guide.

The trash system proposal represents a "hot-button" issue that could influence how Portage Township provides waste collection and disposal services to residents and businesses for years to come.

Additional Bond Proposals

Two other bond proposals on the ballot would fund infrastructure improvements in various Kalamazoo County communities. These measures would typically be used for capital projects such as facility construction, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements that fall outside the scope of annual operating budgets.

Without voter approval, these projects would face delays or cancellation, potentially impacting the quality of services provided to residents.

Voting Information and Registration Details

The May 5, 2026 special election will take place at polling locations throughout Kalamazoo County. Key voting information includes:

  • Polls open: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day
  • Last day to register: Monday, April 20, 2026
  • Absentee ballot deadline: May 4, 2026, at 4 p.m. (for early voting)
  • Absentee ballot return deadline: May 5, 2026, at 8 p.m.

"All eligible voters in Michigan can vote by absentee ballot. You must request an absentee ballot by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026, if requesting by mail. You can request and vote an absentee ballot in person (early voting) at your clerk's office until 4 p.m. on May 4, 2026," the election notice states.

Voters should check their local clerk's office for specific polling location information. The county has established 33 polling locations across Kalamazoo County to ensure accessibility for all residents.

Election Context and Historical Turnout

Off-cycle special elections in Kalamazoo County historically experience lower voter turnout than general elections. The May 2025 special election, which featured similar ballot measures, saw only 20% of registered voters cast ballots.

Despite the lower turnout, the proposals still require voter approval to pass, making each vote critical for the decisions that affect schools, trash services, and community infrastructure throughout Kalamazoo County.

The May 5, 2026 election represents another opportunity for residents to exercise their right to vote on issues that directly impact their daily lives and the future of their communities.

What's at Stake

The outcomes of these seven proposals will determine:

  • Whether KRESA can continue providing special education services to 9,000+ students across nine school districts
  • Whether Colon Community Schools can maintain its building maintenance and safety improvements fund
  • Whether Mattawan Consolidated Schools can continue receiving state foundation aid
  • How Portage Township will manage its trash services for years to come
  • Additional capital improvements and infrastructure upgrades across the county

"If voters do not approve these measures, school districts would be forced to find alternative funding sources or reduce services," election officials stated. "The decisions made on May 5 will have lasting impacts on Kalamazoo County residents."

Voter Education Resources

NowKalamazoo and local election officials have compiled comprehensive voter guides explaining each ballot measure in detail. These resources include full ballot language, cost estimates, and explanations of how each measure would impact taxpayers and community services.

Residents are encouraged to review the complete voter guides before heading to the polls on May 5, 2026. Understanding the implications of each proposal ensures that voters can make informed decisions that align with their values and priorities for Kalamazoo County's future.

Sources

  • NowKalamazoo: "Voters to decide on taxes for schools and Portage's trash system" — https://nowkalamazoo.org/2026/04/voters-to-decide-on-taxes-for-schools-and-portages-trash-system/
  • NowKalamazoo: "4/3/26: Mills, bonds, and trash" — https://nowkalamazoo.org/newsletters/daily/4-3-26-mills-bonds-and-trash/
  • Michigan.gov: "April 2026: School Library Month" — https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2026/04/01/april-2026-school-library-month