| The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted 5-3 on May 6 to place a childcare millage on the November ballot. The measure, which drew debate and extensive public comment across multiple meetings, would create a dedicated funding stream for childcare services with a focus on children ages zero to five, the period advocates described as the most expensive years for families, averaging about $14,000 annually for infant care in the county. Commissioners debated the age range, the role of the tri-share program (which splits costs among state, employer, and employee), and whether the ballot language was flexible enough to also serve as an economic development tool for local businesses struggling with childcare-driven employee turnover. |
| Plus: County administration reported that filtration systems are being installed at six locations in the county jail to address elevated copper levels in the water supply. Tap water remains available for cooking and cleaning, but bottled water continues to be provided to residents for drinking. New water sampling results are expected in early June. |
