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Kent County voters renew zoo and museum millage

Kent County voters renew zoo and museum millage

Rule Changes Grand Rapids, MI local

John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Public Museum get 10 more years of property tax funding at a lower rate.

7 days ago: Voters approve zoo and museum millage

Overview

Updated 7 days ago

Kent County voters approved a 10-year renewal of the property tax that funds John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Unofficial results from the Kent County Clerk's Office show 198,946 votes for and 98,364 against, a 67% to 33% split, FOX 17 reported.

The renewal levies about 41 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, down from 0.4173 mills under the Headlee Amendment, and is projected to raise about $15.56 million in its first year. The two institutions draw more than 1 million visitors a year and contribute about $130 million annually to the local economy, according to Kent County.

Why it matters

Keeps an estimated $15.56 million in first-year zoo and museum funding flowing, avoiding cuts to staffing, hours and school programs.

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Key Indicators

0.4086 mills
Renewal tax rate
About 41 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, down from 0.4173 mills.
$15.56M
First-year levy
Estimated revenue in the first year of the renewal.
67%
Yes vote
Share of votes in favor, 198,946 to 98,364, per unofficial county results.
$130M
Annual economic impact
Combined yearly contribution of the zoo and museum to the local economy, per Kent County.
10 years
Renewal term
Millage runs from 2026 through 2035.

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People Involved

RV
Rob VerHeulen
Interim CEO, John Ball Zoo
Led zoo side of the 2026 renewal campaign; voters approved the millage.
 Dale Robertson
Dale Robertson
President and CEO, Grand Rapids Public Museum
Led museum side of the 2026 renewal campaign; voters approved the millage.

Organizations Involved

John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo
County-owned zoo
Receives renewed millage funding

County-owned zoo in Grand Rapids that cares for more than 2,000 animals representing over 200 species.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Public museum
Receives renewed millage funding

Grand Rapids Public Museum holds more than 250,000 artifacts and specimens and operates a planetarium.
Kent County Board of Commissioners
Kent County Board of Commissioners
County legislature
Placed the renewal on the November ballot; voters approved it.

The board placed the 10-year renewal on the November 2026 ballot in May.

Timeline

2016 November 2026

4 events Latest: 7 days ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Voters approve zoo and museum millage

    Latest Election result

    WZZM reports voters approved the zoo and museum millage. Unofficial county clerk results: 198,946 for and 98,364 against (67% to 33%), FOX 17 reported.

  2. Renewal campaign launches

    Campaign

    Zoo and museum launch campaign for lower-rate renewal.

  3. Board places renewal on ballot

    Government

    Board places 10-year renewal on November ballot.

  4. First zoo and museum millage approved

    Election

    Kent County voters approve first zoo and museum millage.

Scenarios

1

Millage levy appears on 2026 tax bills

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: Kent County tax officials and campaign supporters

Kent County issues 2026 tax bills that include the renewed 0.4086 mill levy for the zoo and museum. The county treasurer's tax rolls would show the charge.

2

First-year revenue meets $15.56 million estimate

Possible Resolves by Q1 2028

Discussed by: Kent County budget officials and zoo and museum leaders

The first annual millage revenue meets the $15.56 million estimate. If revenue falls short, the zoo and museum would receive less than projected in the first year.

3

Legal challenge filed against renewal

Unlikely Resolves by Nov 3, 2027

Discussed by: Local election observers and taxpayer groups

A taxpayer or group files a lawsuit in Kent County Circuit Court challenging the renewal. The case would test the ballot language or levy.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2016

Kent County zoo and museum millage (2016)

Kent County voters approved a dedicated millage for John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It funded animal care, artifact preservation, exhibits and programs.

Then

The zoo and museum gained a stable funding source for operations and education.

Now

The 2026 ballot question renewed that funding for another 10 years.

Why this matters now

The renewal extends the same funding structure first approved in 2016.

Michigan constitutional amendment

Headlee Amendment millage rollback

The Headlee Amendment requires millage rates to roll back when property values rise faster than inflation. The zoo and museum renewal appears at 0.4086 mills, down from 0.4173 mills.

Then

Voters saw a lower rate than the earlier levy.

Now

The rollback sets the renewal at about 41 cents per $1,000 of taxable value.

Why this matters now

The lower rate was a central point in the renewal campaign.

Sources

(6)
WZZM 13 WGVU ARC West Michigan WOODTV MLive Fox 17