Grand Rapids commission approves mayor vehicle allowance; mayor recuses himself from vote

The Grand Rapids City Commission approved an amendment to the city’s policy on elected‑official use of public funds to permit a $700 per month vehicle allowance for the mayor, in lieu of providing a city‑assigned vehicle.

Mayor LeGrande disclosed a potential appearance-of‑conflict and recused himself from discussion and the vote. “I am going to recuse myself from voting on this. I’m also gonna recuse myself from discussion,” he said during the meeting.

Commissioner Kilgore proposed an amendment to set the stipend at “10% less than the evaluated cost of providing a car,” arguing that a reduction would save public dollars. The amendment did not receive sufficient support and failed on a voice vote.

City staff briefed commissioners that the proposed $700 figure is roughly 10% below a benchmarked cost for a midsize vehicle and associated insurance and maintenance. Commissioners debated two fault lines in the discussion: whether using a stipend rather than a city vehicle creates an unacceptable appearance of private gain, and whether the stipend approach is a reasonable administrative alternative to an assigned city vehicle that could be more costly.

The item passed on the commission floor but, because the vote was not unanimous, staff removed the item from the consent calendar; the policy amendment will be placed on the full commission agenda for reconsideration later the same day.

Ending: The mayor returned to the dais after the recusal and the commission continued with other business. Staff said the item will appear again for a final vote at the evening session so commissioners may record a full public vote on the matter.