Michelle LaJoye-Young

Force in Play

Retired Oct. 9, 2026, after 37 years

Kent County voters rejected a 20-year jail millage on Nov. 3, 174,341 to 115,998. Sheriff Bryan Muir, sworn in Oct. 8 and in office since Oct. 9, now has to run the jail without the increase he and county officials had proposed.

Updated 2 days ago

Money Moves

Sought a 20-year renewal and increase; voters rejected it on Nov. 3.

Kent County voters rejected a 20-year jail millage renewal and increase on Nov. 3, WOOD TV projected. The measure would have raised the levy to 0.98 mills from 0.7332 mills, or about $24.68 more a year per $100,000 in taxable value.

Updated 7 days ago

Money Moves

As of September 2026: Presented Corrections and Detention Millage proposal to the board

Kent County's board approved a $696.6 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2027, lifting the General Fund 4.2 percent to $265.53 million without raising the property tax rate. Public safety gets the largest share, $143.5 million, including 42 new Sheriff's Office vehicles.

Updated Sep 3