Grand Rapids board forms ad hoc committee to plan possible 2026 referendum to exceed tax levy

The Grand Rapids Town Board publicly discussed and began planning a possible referendum in 2026 to exceed the state statutory tax levy limit. The presiding official (Speaker 1) said state law requires voter approval for any increase beyond the statutory limit and that the town may need additional revenue to maintain services and address aging infrastructure.

Speaker 1 said an ad hoc committee will be formed to support education, outreach and communication with residents; the committee will include interested board members, the town clerk and at least one community member. Jan Peralta has agreed to serve as the community member on the committee.

No specific levy increase amount or precise election timing was set at the meeting; the chair noted the April election deadline had passed, leaving August or November as possible timing options. Board members discussed the workload of outreach and the need to involve the town attorney in preparation. The board indicated it would begin ad hoc committee meetings soon and aim to make a recommendation to the full board prior to the February meeting.

Next steps: the ad hoc committee will convene to develop outreach materials and a proposed levy increase amount for the board’s consideration; any final referendum question and amount will be set by the full board and must be approved by voters under state law.