Kent County Board of Commissioners Approve 2024 Budget
Budget Aligns with Strategic Priorities and Maintains High-Quality Services to Residents
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (August 24, 2023) – The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously today to approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget, reflecting the County's commitment to providing exceptional services to residents through a strategic allocation of resources. The total budget is $585.5 million which includes $15.3 million for capital improvements.
"This budget reflects our strategic priorities and emphasizes the importance of investing in core services such as public safety," said Kent County Board of Commissioners Stan Stek. “It truly reflects our commitment to serving the needs of our community while being mindful of every tax dollar spent.”
The adoption of the annual budget follows an extensive and transparent process. The Finance & Physical Resources Committee established the budget parameters on February 21, 2023. The Fiscal Services Department then met with department directors and countywide elected officials in the months following the adoption of the budget guidelines and the Board of Commissioners conducted in-depth review of the proposed budget during two work sessions. Last, a public hearing was held on August 10, 2023.
 The culmination of these efforts was the adoption of the FY 2024 budget, a document that exemplifies the County's mission and reflects the strategic priorities established in the Kent County Strategic Plan and Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Business Plan. Notable allocations within the budget include:
- $114.2 million dedicated to public safety, reinforcing the County's commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of its residents.
- An investment of $72.3 million in Judicial services, reinforcing the administration of justice and the fair functioning of legal processes.
- $114.6 million allocated to social services, demonstrating the County's dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.
- $107.6 million allocated to General Government and debt planning, ensuring the effective management and prudent stewardship of public resources.
- A commitment of $22.4 million to cultural activities, nurturing the County's artistic and cultural landscape.
- $13.6 million community and economic development, forging strategic collaborations with local agencies and fostering economic prosperity and community development.
- An expenditure of $62.8 million to Public Works, bolstering essential solid waste management and recycling services for County residents.
“We thank our countywide elected officials, department directors, and staff who contributed to the development and adoption of the budget, said Kent County Administrator/Controller Al Vanderberg. “The collaborative effort and dedication displayed throughout the entire process are a testament to the County's commitment to its residents and fiscal responsibility.”
Additional budget information:
- The County transitioned its fiscal year end to September 30, a change reflected in the FY 2024 budget.
- An operating millage of 4.1310 was used as part of the revenue estimating process, which is the same rate that was levied in 2023.
- Total revenue is $499.7 million, with $204.9 million coming from taxes. Current property tax collections were the most significant source, comprising $184.6 million or 35.1 percent of all revenue.
- The General Fund budget for the operating and capital needs is $226.4 million, reflecting an increase of 37.9 percent from the previous year. (The percentage increase is attributed to the transition from a nine month budget in Fiscal Year 2023 to a twelve month budget in Fiscal Year 2024.)
- In response to a critical need, the total full-time equivalent positions were increased to 1,938.3 with 39 additional positions in key areas. Of these, 27 positions were added to the Sheriff's Office, ranging from corrections officers to school resource officers to emergency management staff.
- The County’s debt, which is approximately $359.5 million, continues to be well below the constitutional limitation of 10 percent of the County's assessed property valuation.
- The County retained its triple-A-credit rating for the 25th consecutive year.
Click here to view a copy of the 2024 adopted budget.
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