Kalamazoo Vice-Mayor Don Cooney says the city should seriously consider putting an income tax proposal before voters.
He says the city faces a long-term structural deficit, and an income tax would be one way to get revenue from people who work in the city and use services without being residents. Cooney says the city could lower property taxes along with instituting an income tax.
Cooney and Portage Mayor Peter Strazdas sat down with WMUK’s Gordon Evans and Sehvilla Mann to discuss issues in their cities, and local governments in general. The Michigan Municipal League has been calling for more revenue sharing funding for cities in the state. Cooney says if Kalamazoo were getting the same amount of money from the state as they did ten years ago, there wouldn’t be a deficit. Strazdas says while revenue sharing is down, city government has to control its environment. He says Portage has been able to eliminate a third of its debt over the last seven years. That enables the city to spend money on other things.
Non-Discrimination Ordinance
The interview with Strazdas and Cooney was recorded Tuesday morning. That night, the Portage City Council approved a non-discrimination ordinance to protect LGBT people from discrimination in employment and housing. Strazdas said during the interview that he is in favor of the ordinance. Only one commissioner, Nasim Ansari, voted against it Tuesday. The city of Kalamazoo and other local governments have similar protections. Cooney says just having the discussion is important to build respect.
Parking
The city of Kalamazoo recently approved raising parking rates and expanding the hours when parking fees will be collected. Cooney says “I wish we could make all parking free.” But he says there are costs such as maintaining parking structures. Cooney says Kalamazoo is not out of line with other cities. But he says the city should look for ways to ensure that low-income people aren’t priced out of going downtown. One proposal is a shuttle bus that would allow people to park outside of downtown, then ride in for free.
Medical Marijuana
Portage recently approved a six-month moratorium on new medical marijuana businesses. Strazdas says city governments can pass ordinances. But he says they need more guidance from federal and state government about what kind of local regulations are allowed.
Noise
The city of Kalamazoo has approved allowing the Kalamazoo Growlers to hold fireworks displays after some of the team’s games this season. Cooney says the Growlers made some reasonable adjustments to accommodate concerns about noise. Strazdas says Independence Day and the days shortly before and after often bring complaints about loud noises and fireworks at late hours. Strazdas says police can enforce ordinances regulating noise, but he says it’s best for neighbors to handle those situations by talking with each other, and being respectful.
Fair Chance
Kalamazoo recently approved a policy that requires city contractors to show that they are not asking about criminal history on an initial job application. Cooney says the “Fair Chance” provision opens the door open “as far as we can” for ex-offenders. He says an employer should only weigh criminal history if they are thinking about hiring an applicant. He says ex-convicts face great challenges in terms of getting a job, and finding a place to live.
Central Dispatch
In the extended version of the interview, Strazdas says a central dispatch system for the county is moving along. He says the challenge right now is finding the money. Strazdas says the system will cost more up front. But he says in the long-term there will be savings and public safety will improve.
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