Voters in Grand Rapids approved a tax increase.
Voters in Grand Rapids approved a tax increase.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) - Voters in Grand Rapids say they will pay higher income taxes to avoid cuts in the police and fire departments.
The 15% income tax increase only passed by about 200 votes.
Grand Rapids mayor George Heartwell called it a show of support from city citizens.
"This is a huge victory for our city," Mayor Heartwell told supporters at their election party in Brann's Restaurant on Leonard Street. "We have challenging times ahead but our citizens are behind us all the way. They are supporting police supporting fire."
Opponents to the income tax increase say they are disappointed by the outcome, but it wasn't unexpected.
"I'm not really surprised," said tax increase opponent Bill Gellineau. When folks are threatened with loss of primary services like police and fire might vote for that. It's typical of how government threatens the public with the most severe loss of services."
The income tax will increase from 1.3% to 1.5% for city residents. The tax for non residents who work in the city will increase from .65% to .75%.
The increase will raise about $7 million per year. But that is still not enough for the city to maintain current services and pay all of it's pension obligations.
"We've got some work to do," the mayor told the crowd celebrating the election victory. "But this gives me the encouragement to get that work done."
"Hopefully city administrators are going to take advantage of this opportunity," said tax opponent Gelineau. "It's a 5 year tax increase. Hopefully they will get their act together and cut costs and services people in the city cant afford anymore."
When he proposed the 15% income tax increase City Manager Greg Sundstrom said he would use the money to buy time until he can adjusting pension costs and change the way Grand Rapids government operates.