Kentwood commission approves striking $162,783 in 2020 delinquent personal property taxes, hears DPW equipment request

At the third Kentwood City Commission meeting of 2026, commissioners approved a petition to strike $162,783 in delinquent personal property taxes from 2020 and earlier and heard a request from the Department of Public Works to purchase a commercial washer and dryer.

Treasurer Sheldon presented the petition, saying, “The amount total that we are looking to strike is a $162,783. That's for 326 delinquent parcels, and it is about 57,000, a little over 57,000 that's actual city money from that.” Sheldon also said the city collected “over $422,000” in delinquent personal property taxes during the past year. Commissioners asked whether changes to the minimum taxable personal property threshold contributed to declining totals; Sheldon attributed year-to-year variation to the higher reporting threshold (now $180,000) and periodic events such as bankruptcies.

Chair asked for a motion to approve the petition. Commissioner Mosley moved to approve the petition to strike the 2020 and prior delinquent personal property taxes; Commissioner Tyson supported the motion. Commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.

Ted, speaking for Department of Public Works staff, requested approval to buy a commercial washer and dryer to launder PPE and other work clothing. “It'll total cost not to exceed $22,001.17, including a $2,500 allowance for electrical work,” Ted said, adding the purchase would be funded from the property and building fund and would help keep PPE hygienic and extend equipment life. The transcript records the presentation and discussion but does not record a formal vote on the washer-and-dryer purchase during this meeting.

The commission approved routine business earlier in the meeting: the agenda was approved following a motion by Commissioner Mosley with support from Commissioner Tyson, the consent agenda passed after roll call, and the Jan. 20, 2026 minutes were approved on a motion by Commissioner Arts supported by Commissioner Morgan.

Mayor Kepley used the meeting to preview the budget timetable, saying budget meetings will begin in March and noting rising costs for benefits and staffing as the administration prepares for next year. Commissioners and the mayor offered public thanks to DPW staff for snow removal and road work, and several attendees suggested recognizing Jerry DeRider, the Kentwood police chaplain who delivered the invocation and noted he recently retired from that role.

The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn, which commissioners approved by voice vote.