Special Election Brings Critical Decisions to Kent County, Ottawa and Muskegon Counties

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — West Michigan voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to decide on five ballot questions and millage proposals that could reshape local governance and services across Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties.

The special election will focus primarily on millage proposals and ballot questions that appear on individual ballots based on the district voters reside in. These measures include a significant $125.33 million school bond proposal in Kentwood, a disincorporation vote in Nelson Township, and millage renewals for two school districts.

Kentwood Public Schools Seeks $125.33 Million Bond

Kentwood Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $125.33 million bond proposal that would fund major facility improvements across the district. If approved, the bond would result in a 0.5 mill tax increase on property owners, restoring the district's debt rate to 4.5 - the same level as in 2011 and maintaining the second-lowest rate among school districts in the county.

"We designed this program in response to our community growth and values around school facilities. The beauty of that is their voices and their imprint is all over it," said Superintendent Kevin Polston. "It's a process we've done with the community."

The nearly 10,000-student district has grown by 800 students over the past 10 years, and more than 1,000 units of new housing are planned for construction in the district.

The bond funds include:

• New Valleywood Middle School - A new 750-student facility to replace the 1967 building currently serving 552 students. The decision to build rather than renovate was made after a study found Valleywood would need $30 million in infrastructure investment to ensure it met good or excellent standards.
• Ice Arena Restoration - The Kentwood Ice Arena, the only ice area in West Michigan owned and operated by a school district, would receive new roof coating, mechanical room upgrades, code compliance equipment, electrical system upgrades, new rink refrigeration, and enhanced security with cameras and card-reader access.
• Second Performing Arts Center - A 600-seat facility at the East Kentwood Freshman Campus to address the inadequacy of the current Fine Arts Auditorium for the district's size.
• Career Tech Education/STEM Center - Expanded space for career readiness programs at the Freshman Campus
• Accessible Playgrounds - Six new accessible playgrounds at Bowen, Brookwood, Discovery, Endeavor, Explorer and Meadowlawn elementary schools
• District-Wide Safety and Technology Upgrades - Security and security upgrades throughout buildings, technology enhancements, modernized furniture, and additional new buses

"The top question that came up in that process was, 'What are you going to do about middle school?'" Polston said.

Homeowners of an average Kentwood home valued at $321,000 would see an increase in property taxes of $6.68 per month if the bond is approved.

Nelson Township Fire Millage Vote

Voters in Nelson Township will face two related questions about the Sand Lake Village and fire services.

First, voters will decide whether to disincorporate the Village of Sand Lake with the ballot question: "Shall incorporation of the Village of Sand Lake be vacated?"

The petition for disincorporation arose from an ongoing dispute between multiple municipalities over fire coverage by the Sand Lake Fire Department.

Second, following the ownership change of the Sand Lake Fire Department to Nelson Township, voters will be asked to approve a 1.5 mill levy for township fire protection purposes.

"Shall the limitation on general ad valorem taxes imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution against all taxable property within the Township of Nelson be increased by an additional 1.500 mills for a period of four years, beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2029, both inclusive, to raise additional funds for fire protection purposes?"

It is estimated that the 1.5 mill levy would provide revenue of $314,343 in the first calendar year.

Northview and Wyoming School Millage Renewals

Two school districts will ask voters to renew non-homestead operating millages to support their operations.

Northview Public Schools will renew its 18 mill non-homestead millage for a 15-year period from 2028 to 2042. If approved, the renewal would provide approximately $5,335,000 in revenue in 2028.

Wyoming Public Schools will also renew its 18 mill non-homestead millage for operating costs.

Both millages apply to all property except principal residences and other property exempted by law.

What is a Millage?

A millage is a tax levied against property owners at different rates based on the millage proposal. Most millages affect all private property, but some only affect property that isn't used as a primary residence.

Millages are levied in mills, which represents the dollar amount to be taxed on $1,000 worth of property value. For example, if a millage is levied at the rate of 1 mil, a property owner will be taxed $1 for every $1,000 of property value.

A $200,000 home would pay $200 annually for a 1 mil rate.

Election Information

Voters can find out what is on their individual ballots by visiting the Kent County Elections website. More information about the election, including polling times and locations, is also available at the county elections office.

The special election will be a critical opportunity for Kent County residents to decide on the future of their schools, fire services, and local governance.