Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Poverty exemption policy cleanup
The city formally adopted a Poverty Exemption Policy and Guidelines, which sets out how income-qualified homeowners can get property tax relief.
City Hall heat pump replacement
Seven of City Hall's 37 heat pumps, all installed in 2004, are being replaced by Trane. The rest are aging too, and staff say they'll be swapped out in batches to spread out the cost.
FY 2026-2027 budget and millage adoption
Mayor Kepley said the budget process begins the first week of March, with rising health benefit premiums and other costs creating pressure, but he's confident Kentwood will have a strong budget year.
DPW fleet replacement
The police department gets a gently used van for its special response team (up to $30,000) plus three 2026 Chevy Traverses for staff, including two for newly promoted lieutenants.
Citywide phone system replacement
Four aging copier/print/scan machines across city offices, including fire equipment needs, will be replaced with Ricoh devices at up to $32,385.
Deputy Administrator recruitment
The city is paying a recruiter up to $22,000 to find a new Deputy Administrator after an earlier in-house search failed. The goal is to fill the vacancy in about three months.
Deputy City Administrator departs for Walker
Shay Gallagher is leaving Kentwood after his final commission meeting to become Walker's city manager in early March; the city will advertise his position soon, possibly with a headhunter's help.
Delinquent personal property tax strike
The city wipes old, uncollectable personal property taxes off the books each year — this year about $162,783 across 326 parcels. It's required by state law after five years of delinquency, and the treasurer noted the city collected over $422,000 in delinquent personal property taxes last year.