Greetings from the Mayor's Office | |
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Challenging, frustrating, aggravating. Some of the words we have recently used this past month navigating through the traffic in the City. Traffic that, at times, is painfully backed up due to road and bridge projects. I hear you and understand where we are all coming from. I drive those same roads and bridges. Some of these projects are in the City of Walker, and some are in the surrounding area. These can significantly impact our City when a major highway or road shuts down, and travelers try to find alternative routes. Often, those alternative routes go through neighborhoods that are not accustomed to the increased traffic, and sometimes drivers go faster than they should.
On behalf of all the agencies in our area doing projects, please accept my apologies for the inconveniences we are all enduring. As I have mentioned, the short-term inconveniences we might experience will be well worth it when the projects are completed. Meanwhile, I understand when I hear people are frustrated with traffic and delays, and so am I. For all those traveling through these areas, I am making a special plea to pay extra attention to our workers on these projects. Sometimes, I am asked what keeps me awake at night, and this is at the top of the list. Our public safety and public works employees need you to slow down and put the phones down so they, too, can go home to their families at night.
At our June 10 City Commission meeting, we will hold a public hearing and seek approval from the City Commission on our new Fiscal Year Budget for 2024-25, which starts on July 1. Our priorities and financial position are unchanged. Based on our community’s consistent feedback on what is important to them, Public Safety continues to receive the most investment. Whether in our neighborhoods or when we are out and about, we all want to feel safe and secure in our community. So, this year is no different, and our budget priorities reflect that. Additionally, our road and bridge projects, which I mentioned earlier, are receiving high levels of investment to keep pace with our needs and growth. Lastly, in its 26 years of operation, we are at the point of making significant but needed updates to our Ice and Fitness Center. Some of these are long overdue and necessary so they do not cost us even more money in the future.
In closing, I would like to invite our community to the start of our Summer Concert Series at Community Park on Thursday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m. It's always a great time, and we are fortunate to have our local favorite, Brena, kick us off again.
As always, thank you for choosing to call Walker home.
Mayor Gary L. Carey, Jr.
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Public Works & Engineering Updates | |
Income Tax Department Updates | |
We appreciate your feedback. Our new team is working diligently to get your refunds to you as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience as we process returns. If you have not received your refund by June 15, 2024, please contact us at (616) 791-6880 for our assistance. | |
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Due dates
Second quarter estimated payments for calendar year 2024 are due June 30, 2024. Forms are available on our website.
Where’s my refund?
All refunds for 2023 timely filed returns that are correct and complete will be issued by June 15, 2024. Please do not call or email for the status of your refund before June 15, 2024. We are currently short-staffed in the Income Tax Department and are working to get refunds out as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience.
If you were expecting a refund, but have received a proposed assessment, please provide the missing information within 30 days for possible adjustments. If you are not sure if you need to file Walker Income Tax returns, the most common questions are answered on our website. You can also call us at 616-791-6880.
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E-Filed Returns
Did you e-file your 2023 return and it showed that you had a balance due? You may have received an assessment from the Income Tax Department or have a voucher from your tax preparer that shows the amount you owe. All tax due must be postmarked or paid online by April 30, 2024 to avoid penalty and interest. Call us at (616) 791-6866 if you have any questions.
Paper Returns
We are in the process of developing software to machine-read Walker returns for more efficient processing. If you are mailing your return, it would help greatly if you would:
- Mail your return flat
- Use one paper clip to attach the return and W-2s together (NO STAPLES)
- Send the original, not a poor copy
- Do not print on both sides of the paper
Missing Information
Did you receive a letter that your tax return was missing a required attachment? You can provide missing information in several ways:
- Mail to Walker Income Tax Department, PO Box 153, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0153
- Email to incometax@walker.city
- Fax at (616) 791-6808
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Election Day is August 6, 2024
Early Voting will be held in the City Commission Chambers from July 27 through August 4. The site will be open to voters from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Added Office Hours:
The Walker City Clerk's office will be open Saturday, August 3, from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. for all election needs.
Those who wish to vote absentee can request an absentee ballot for the upcoming elections.
Absentee ballots will be mailed out by the week of June 24th for those who have requested one. Ballots are also available 40 days before any election in person during regular business hours at the Clerk's Office or by filling out an application for an absentee ballot.
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Did You Know?
By going to MI.gov/vote you can:
• Request an absentee ballot and vote from home
• Update your address
• Register to vote
• Verify you are registered to vote
• Find your polling location
• Track the status of your ballot
• See what will be on your ballot
Other Elections in 2024
Tuesday, November 5: Presidential/Federal/State General Election
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Swim Safety
Keep these summer fire safety tips in mind as you and your family enjoy summer vacations, camping, swimming, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July.
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A Message from Fire Chief Dave Pelton
We are always looking for ways better to serve the citizens in the City of Walker. Community Connect is a free, secure, and easy-to-use platform that allows you to share critical information about your household that will aid first responders and emergency response personnel when responding to your residence. By providing information about your household that you feel is important for us to know about during an emergency, we can make sure that you and everything you care about is protected to the best of our ability.
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Police Department Updates | |
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Thank YOU!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Walker Safety Day and Community Cook Out. With your help, we raised $3,000 to purchase safety equipment for electric vehicle crash scenes. We are always humbled by and appreciative of the community support for public safety here in Walker.
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Metro High School Police Academy
Walker Officers will again instruct at the Metro High School Police Academy. This is a free, weeklong experience for area high school students to explore a career in law enforcement. Email Officer Mitch Harkema for more info.
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As we focus on our Summer Safety trends, remember, if you are “caught” being safe, Officers may reward you with an ice cream pass to Double Dip Depot!
We currently have free bike flags and firearm cable locks in our department lobby, should anyone need one. Just stop by during business hours, Monday – Friday.
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Walker Ice and Fitness Updates | |
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Summer Hours
Monday - Friday: 5 am - 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am - 5 pm
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Try us FREE for 7 days!
Are you interested in a gym membership? You can try out our facility FREE for 7 days. Anyone 18 years and older, an area resident, and a first-time visitor to our facility is welcome to do this! You will have access to all our amenities during this week. That means the indoor track, cardio equipment, extensive free weights, and more are yours to try FREE! Call (616) 735-6286 or click here for more info.
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Parks and Recreation Department | |
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9:30 am - 8 pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Closed Sunday
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Programming is back in full swing! Our regular weekly Storytime, Rhymetime, Toddler Time, and Babytime are back beginning the week of June 10, and a selection of our exciting Summer Wonder programs is highlighted below. Visit our Events page for more information. A selection of programs are highlighted below.
Summer Wonder Kick-off Celebration!
Monday, June 10 | 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Backyard Safari
Monday, June 17 | 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Teen | Super Smash Bros. Tournament
Tuesday, June 18 | 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Native American Dancers | Reg Pettibone & Family
Thursday, June 20 | 10:00-11:00 a.m.
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Summer Wonder
This year, we will take you on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning, and exploring! The challenge is designed for multiple learning styles to keep families engaged and inspired. KDL is excited to bring you a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, reading, STEAM activities, and lots of fun for everyone. Find out more at kdl.org/summer/.
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Lunches at the Library
Keeping young minds engaged and learning is as essential as fueling growing bodies, so we are once again partnering with Feeding America of West Michigan this summer to provide free lunches to students through their "Gather 2 Grow" program.
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KDL is a 2024 Recipient of the Nation’s Highest Museum and Library Honor
The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced on May 21 that Kent District Library has received the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given for making significant and exceptional contributions to their communities! Read more.
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Recently, City of Walker Mayor Gary Carey Jr. visited with Senior Neighbors to chat about one of his favorite subjects: Walker's history! Senior Neighbors is located inside Walker Fire Station #3 on 3 Mile Road, open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | | | | |
