WALKER, Mich. -- The City of Walker is giving residents the chance to weigh in on a proposed public safety millage before it heads to the ballot in November.

The city is hosting a series of open houses this month so residents can ask questions, tour public safety facilities, and learn more about the departments that serve the community. The measure would ask voters whether to support a proposed additional millage of 1.75 mills to cover capital and operating expenses for police and fire over 10 years.

If approved, the levy would raise an estimated $3,065,105 in the first year, the city said.

The open houses are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday, Sept. 29: 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station #3, 1470 Three Mile Road NW
• Tuesday, Oct. 6: 6 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station #1, 4343 Remembrance Road NW
• Thursday, Oct. 15: 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station #2, 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW

According to a city news release, any Walker resident who has questions about the millage proposal, wants to see the public safety facilities firsthand, or simply wants to learn more about the police and fire departments is encouraged to attend.

The city said the millage would create a dedicated funding source to renovate all three fire stations and build a new police facility. The current fire stations were not designed to accommodate 24/7 staffing, and the police department has outgrown its current space.

If approved, the measure would also allow Walker to hire additional firefighters and police officers to improve each department's ability to respond to more complex or simultaneously occurring calls for service.

The millage will appear on the November 3 ballot.