GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo want voters to renew a 10-year, countywide property tax millage to help fund the care of animals and artifacts, repair and improvement of exhibits, and enhance educational programs.

The tax, whose revenue is split between the zoo and museum, was first approved in 2016 by 61.5% of voters.

To appear on the August or November 2026 ballot, the renewal request must first be approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. A county committee has begun evaluating the request before it’s brought to the full board for consideration.

“They’ll want some confidence in the current financials of both organizations,” he said of the committee.

Vanderberg said that the county wants to consider new features planned at the museum and

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