KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The polling locations for the August 3 Special Election closed at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and results are in for communities and school districts in southwest Michigan.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY
Voters were asked to consider a bond issue that would replace five aging elementary schools in Portage and renovate another, purchase new fuel-efficient buses and update technology.
The schools slated for replacement are Angling Road, Amberly, Central Elementary, Haverhill and Woodland, with renovations planned for Moorsbridge. Because an old bond will be retired this year, it means that the new bond will not mean a tax hike.
In total, the proposal is a $175.7 million dollar request.
Portage School District Proposal
- YES – 5,537
- NO – 904
Around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday night, Portage Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bielang released a statement regarding the unofficial results.
“Once again, when we asked voters to help improve the learning environment for our children, they answered with their support,” Bielang said. “It’s exciting to think of the day when our elementary students and teachers will have facilities built for them and their unique educational needs. On behalf of all Portage students who will benefit, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the voters.”
Bielang said project planning will begin immediately. Construction of the first building is expected to begin during the 2022-23 school year. The entire project is expected to take about 10 years.
Charleston Township Millage Proposal
Voters in Charleston Township decided not to approve a $0.75 millage for public road maintenance and improvement. Ballot language said that an estimated $79,233.61 would have been raised during the first year of the millage.
- YES – 136
- NO – 172
CALHOUN COUNTY
Calhoun County had three items on the ballot, including one in Emmett Charter Township and two for Union City Community Schools. Here are the results according to the Calhoun County Elections page.
Emmett Charter Township Public Safety Millage Renewal
- YES – 803
- NO – 200
Union City Community Schools I. Operating Millage Renewal Proposal
- YES – 157
- NO – 57
Union City Community Schools II. Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal
- YES – 142
- NO – 72
VAN BUREN COUNTY
Voters in the Paw Paw school district in Van Buren County voted down a $54-million dollar bond issue for school improvements, including a new athletic stadium. Paw Paw Township voters were asked to fund a new fire station, and Paw Paw Village residents were asked for extra mils to fund parks improvements and maintenance. Results for this election come from Electionreporting.com, as redirected from the Van Buren county website.
Paw Paw School District Proposal
- YES – 1,279
- NO – 1,324
Paw Paw Township Proposal
- YES – 949
- NO – 281
Paw Paw Village Proposal –
- YES – 284
- NO – 253
— Brandon James contributed to this reporting—
