Special Election Brings Seven Ballot Measures That Could Reshape Kalamazoo County
*By The Kalamazoo Press*
A special election on May 5, 2026 will require Kalamazoo County voters to make decisions on seven critical proposals that could reshape local education funding, trash services, and community infrastructure across the region.
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 to approve or reject each measure.
"The proposals on the ballot still require voters in order for decisions to be made," stated election officials.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. The last day to register to vote in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, April 20, 2026. All eligible voters in Michigan can vote by absentee ballot, with requests due by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026 if requesting by mail.
The Three Millage Renewals
The ballot features three millage renewals, each serving different needs within the school system. A millage is used to calculate a tax rate applied to real estate to fund public services like schools. One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value.
KRESA Special Education Millage Renewal and Restoration Proposal
The most widely applicable millage is for the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA), which serves nine school districts across the Greater Kalamazoo region.
This proposal would allow the intermediate school district to continue levying special education millage previously approved by electors and restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963.
If approved, KRESA would be authorized to levy special education millage at the rate of 1.50 mills ($1.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for six years, 2027 to 2032.
"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."
The millage would collect approximately $16,815,446 from local property taxes if levied in 2027.
If this millage is not passed, there would be a loss of just under $500 per student, according to Martin.
School districts supported by KRESA include:
- 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
Colon Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage Renewal
A Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal for Colon Community Schools would allow the school district to continue levying the building and site sinking fund millage that expires with the 2026 tax levy.
The millage would be renewed at the same rate of 1.2906 mills until 2034. It was originally approved by voters in 2018 and this renewal would not change residents' current tax rate.
The school district would collect an estimated $328,989 if the millage is approved.
This millage would be utilized as a savings account intended for long-term building repairs, renovations and safety improvements.
Mattawan Consolidated School Operating Millage Renewal
Also up for renewal is the Mattawan Consolidated Schools Operating Millage, which would allow the school district to continue levying up to 18 mills on secondary residences and industrial properties.
This millage is required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance and renews millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy.
If approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027, the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect is approximately $4,075,264.
The millage would be renewed for a period of 4 years, 2027 to 2030.
Three Bond Proposals
The election also includes three bond proposals that could fund significant infrastructure improvements across Kalamazoo County. While specific details about each bond were not provided in the initial ballot announcement, these measures typically address capital improvements such as building renovations, facility upgrades, and infrastructure projects.
Voters will need to carefully review the full ballot language and consider the long-term impact of these proposals on their property taxes and community infrastructure.
Portage Trash System Ordinance Amendment
One ordinance amendment on the ballot relates to Portage's trash system. This measure could alter how the city manages its waste collection and disposal services.
The ordinance amendment is part of an ongoing effort to give Portage residents more control over their waste management options.
"Ultimately all residents" will be affected by the decisions made on election day, according to election officials.
Voter Information
How to Vote:
- Polls open: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 5, 2026
- Early voting: In-person at local clerk's offices until 4 p.m. on May 4, 2026
- Absentee ballot request deadline: 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026 (if requesting by mail)
- Absentee ballot drop deadline: 8 p.m. on May 5, 2026
Registration:
- Last day to register to vote in-person with the local clerk: Monday, April 20, 2026
- All eligible voters in Michigan can vote by absentee ballot
Voting Locations:
Find your local clerk's office at the Michigan Secretary of State website.
Why This Election Matters
The May 2026 special election represents a critical moment for Kalamazoo County residents to shape the future of their schools and communities.
The KRESA special education millage alone could affect thousands of students across nine school districts, ensuring they have access to mandated special education programs. Without this millage, school districts would be forced to cut these essential services or reallocate funds from other areas like athletics and general education.
The Colon Community Schools sinking fund millage renewal would provide nearly $330,000 annually for building repairs and safety improvements, helping to maintain safe learning environments for students.
The Mattawan Consolidated Schools operating millage renewal would ensure the district can receive its foundation allowance and continue providing educational services to students in Van Buren and Kalamazoo Counties.
The bond proposals and Portage trash system ordinance could have significant long-term impacts on property taxes and community infrastructure.
Voters are urged to review all seven proposals carefully and cast their ballots on May 5 to determine the future direction of Kalamazoo County education and services.