GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kent County voters will settle on Nov. 3 whether to extend the property tax that helps run the Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo, and this time the two institutions would not split the money evenly.
The renewal would levy 0.4086 mills each year through 2035, which works out to roughly $40.86 a year for a home whose taxable value is $100,000. Supporters stress that it is not a new tax and that the rate is lower than the one voters first approved in 2016.
County projections put first-year revenue near $15.6 million and the 10-year total near $193.9 million. About 64% would go to the zoo and about 36% to the museum, ending the current 50-50 split. A county review committee recommended the change, citing the zoo’s far larger attendance, its roughly $24 million in yearly operating costs and a deferred maintenance list that still tops $40 million.
The zoo cares for more than 2,000 animals from over 200 species. The museum holds more than 250,000 artifacts and specimens and runs school programs and a planetarium.
If voters approve, the tax would first show up on winter bills in December.
Section: More Grand Rapids MI politics news
Filed under: Grand Rapids MI Politics News
