Special Election on May 5 Calls for Decisions on Local Taxes and Services

*Kalamazoo County — Kalamazoo County residents will face a special election on May 5, 2026* that could reshape local funding for schools, waste management, and public services across the region.

The off-cycle election features seven proposals on the ballot, including three millage renewals, three bond proposals, and one ordinance amendment. While off-cycle elections notoriously experience low turnout — the May 2025 special election received ballots from only 20% of Kalamazoo County's registered voters — the proposals still require voter approval to pass.

"The proposals on the ballot still require voters in order for decisions to be made," said election coverage from NowKalamazoo.

Three Millages to Renew

The election includes three property tax millage renewals that would expire with the 2026 tax levy:

KRESA Special Education Millage Renewal and Restoration Proposal

The most widely-reaching millage is for the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA), an intermediate school district that serves nine school districts in the Greater Kalamazoo region.

This proposal would renew the special education millage at the originally authorized rate of 1.5 mills ($1.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for six years, from 2027 to 2032. The millage was last approved by voters in 2021.

"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."

If approved, the millage would collect approximately $16.8 million annually in local property taxes.

KRESA serves the following school districts:

  • Climax-Scotts Community Schools
  • Comstock Public Schools
  • Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
  • Gull Lake Community Schools
  • Kalamazoo Public Schools
  • Parchment School District
  • Portage Public Schools
  • Schoolcraft Community Schools
  • Vicksburg Community Schools

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

Colon Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage Renewal

This proposal would allow Colon Community Schools to continue levying the building and site sinking fund millage that expires with the 2026 tax levy.

The currently authorized millage rate of 1.2906 mills would be renewed at the same rate for eight years, from 2027 to 2034. Originally approved by voters in 2018, this renewal would not change residents' current tax rate.

The school district would collect an estimated $328,989 if the millage is approved and levied in 2027.

This sinking fund is intended as a savings account for long-term building repairs, renovations, safety improvements, and authorized purposes including security improvements and technology upgrades.

Mattawan Consolidated Schools Operating Millage Renewal

This proposal would allow Mattawan Consolidated Schools to continue levying the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law.

The currently authorized millage rate limitation of 19.4227 mills would be renewed for four years, from 2027 to 2030.

If approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027, the school district would collect approximately $4,075,264.

Three Bond Proposals

In addition to the millage renewals, three bond proposals would ask voters to approve debt to fund capital improvements.

Portage Public Schools Bond Proposal

One of the bond proposals is for Portage Public Schools to construct, furnish, and equip new facilities and to improve existing ones.

The bond would allow the school district to address aging infrastructure and modernize facilities across the district. Specific projects would be determined based on needs assessments conducted by the school district.

Portage Township Trash System Bond Proposal

Another bond proposal involves the Portage Township trash system, which has faced ongoing challenges and questions about service reliability and cost.

This proposal would fund improvements to the trash collection and disposal system for Portage Township residents.

Colon Community Schools Bond Proposal

The third bond proposal is for Colon Community Schools to acquire, construct, furnish, and equip school facilities.

This bond would allow the school district to invest in capital improvements that would benefit students and staff across the district.

Ordinance Amendment

The final proposal on the ballot is an ordinance amendment that would modify local regulations related to one of the ballot items.

Voting Information

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, May 5, 2026.

"The last day to register to vote in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, April 20, 2026," said NowKalamazoo election coverage.

All eligible voters in Michigan can vote by absentee ballot. Voters must request an absentee ballot by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026, if requesting by mail.

Early in-person voting is available at clerk's offices until 4 p.m. on May 4, 2026.

Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Why This Election Matters

This special election could have significant impacts on Kalamazoo County residents for years to come. The KRESA special education millage alone would generate approximately $16.8 million annually for special education services across nine school districts.

Without the millage, school districts would need to find funding from other sources, potentially cutting programs in athletics, general education, or other areas.

The Portage Township trash system bond could affect thousands of residents who rely on municipal trash collection services.

The school bond proposals would determine the quality and modernization of facilities for students across multiple districts.

"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 proposals on the ballot still require voters in order for decisions to be made," said NowKalamazoo.

Voter Registration Deadline

The last day to register to vote by any method other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, April 20, 2026.

Voters can find their local clerk's office through the Michigan Department of State website or by contacting their local township or city clerk.