An unusual proposal to fix Kalamazoo’s budget might be too big to fit into regular meeting times. On Monday commissioners said they’d consider adding extra discussions in the hours before its regular meetings to talk about the plan.
The commission is considering whether to accept a $70 million private donation that would shore up Kalamazoo’s finances for three years – and whether to try to create a permanent endowment for the city.
Some commissioners have supported the proposal with little reservation. Others have been more skeptical. That includes Commissioner Matt Milcarek, who says too much of the proposal grew out of small groups that did not include the whole commission.
“If we are going to do this I want us to do it in a way that is above the board and is in tune with the honesty and openness that we must have,” he says.
Board member Jack Urban says additional meetings would help to dispel concerns – from commissioners or the public - that the private-donation proposal has not been handled transparently.
“I think we have a chance to right the ship here and I’m really counting on us doing that. I really think we’re going to get the commitment and the goodwill that we’re all looking for,” he says.
The board has yet to receive an official proposal for the private-donation model. City Manager Jim Ritsema says he hopes to have it prepared by the end of September.
