A 26-Year-Old Fire Engine and Growing Calls Drive the Proposal

*Texas Township residents will vote August 4 on a new fire department millage that would raise an estimated $2,337,000 in its first year. The proposal asks voters to approve 1.7009 mills* ($1.70 per $1,000 of taxable value) for nine years, from 2026 through 2034.

The township board authorized the measure at its May 18 meeting. Officials also approved spending up to $10,000 on informational mailers to explain the proposal before the August 4 primary election.

Why the Township Says the Millage Is Needed

Texas Township Fire-Rescue points to a growing community and aging equipment as reasons for the request. According to the township's published frequently asked questions:

Currently, 22% of emergency calls overlap. This means that nearly 1 in 4 times the department is called, they are already handling another emergency.

The department says the cost of fire engines and apparatus is increasing by approximately 7% per year. The average age of the fleet is 17 years. One primary fire engine is 26 years old, six years beyond its maximum expected service life.

What the Money Would Fund

If approved, the millage would support:

  • Hiring one additional full-time firefighter per shift
  • Adding a full-time community risk reduction employee (fire marshal)
  • Equipment and apparatus replacements
  • Staffing, training, facilities, and operations

The township notes the current 2020 Fire Improvement Millage remains in effect at 0.9741 mills. If the new millage passes, the combined fire services rate would be 2.675 mills. Both millages expire in 2034.

What It Costs Residents

The proposed rate equals $170 per year for every $100,000 of taxable property value. Taxable value is typically lower than market value, according to the township.

What Happens If It Fails

Township officials warn that a no vote would leave the department underfunded. The township would need to use General Fund dollars, which support services such as parks, administration, and law enforcement, to keep fire services operational.

By law, fire millage funds are restricted. They can only be used for fire department operations, staffing, training, facilities, and equipment. They are subject to public budgeting processes and annual financial audits to provide transparency and accountability.

Voting Details

  • In-person voting: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
  • Absentee ballots: Available beginning June 25

Residents can attend township board meetings to ask questions during public comment. The township office can be reached at 269-375-1591 or info@texastownship.org. The fire department can be reached at 269-375-4610 or info@texasfire.org.

A new fire station is not part of this proposal. However, township officials note that much of the area's recent growth has occurred in the northern part of Texas Township, which is the furthest from the current station on Q Avenue. Response times to that sector remain a priority.

The official ballot language reads:

Shall Texas Charter Township, Kalamazoo County, be authorized to levy annually a new additional millage in an amount not to exceed 1.7009 mills ($1.7009 per each $1,000 of taxable value) against all taxable property in the Township for a period of nine (9) years, 2026 through 2034, inclusive, to provide funds for the staffing, operation, construction, and maintenance of fire department facilities; the acquisition of real property; the purchase of apparatus and equipment; and any other purpose authorized by law for fire department or fire service purposes?