Greetings from the Mayor's Office | |
 |  | In this newsletter, I wanted to share some of the projects and ideas we are working on in Standale. First on my list is that Standale is getting a long overdue street light makeover. A couple of years ago, the Standale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) committed to updating the street lighting in the Standale Business District. There was a time when those lights looked great and addressed the needs of all who traveled through Standale. However, that was 30 years ago, and times have changed. Not to mention, the current lights, in some cases, cannot be correctly repaired because of the availability of replacement parts. This project will include removing the 30-year-old lights along Lake Michigan Drive and replacing them with a more modern lighting system focused on lighting the sidewalk. That will provide a safer experience as the areas will be better lit at night. The new lights can hold flower baskets and banners for different themes and holidays. New light poles will also be installed along Wilson Avenue from Lake Michigan south past Meijer and Westown Apartments. Work on the project is expected to begin soon and will run through fall of this year. Follow our Walker Standale DDA Facebook page for updates.
Additionally, our DDA is establishing a new strategic vision of what Standale is and what we want to see it become. One of the items is a brand identity for Standale, which helps us with marketing efforts to support our Standale businesses. There has been some outstanding feedback from the community that is assisting the DDA in shaping that vision, and it will be hard not to notice the changes in the coming year(s) from their efforts. The DDA and our City staff are also exploring ideas for connecting Community Park (where we hold the Summer Concert Series) and envisioning additional options to help make Standale a more desirable place to live, work, and grow. In summary, a lot is happening in the Standale Downtown District, which should help us develop blueprints for other areas of the City.
The last item (but not in Standale) is the opening of the new pickleball courts in City Central Park, on the north side near Central Elementary. As I type this, six new courts with seating are ready to be used. We appreciate the patience of all those who have been waiting for these. Please put them to good use!
Thank you for choosing to call Walker home.
Mayor Gary 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
Third quarter estimated payments for calendar year 2024 are due September 30, 2024. Forms are available on our website.
Where’s my refund?
Refunds for 2023 timely filed returns are still being processed and will be completed soon. We appreciate your patience. If you received a letter requesting more information, please respond as soon as possible. If we do not receive the required information, deductions and credits will be disallowed resulting in a lower refund or an assessment. You can provide missing information several ways:
- Mail to Walker Income Tax Department, PO Box 153, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0153
- Email us at incometax@walker.city
- Fax at 616-791-6808
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Secure the upload site using the link here.
TurboTax does not e-file with any Michigan city except Detroit. If you used TurboTax to prepare your Walker return, you must mail a full copy, including required attachments to Walker Income Tax Department, PO Box 153, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0153. See the TurboTax instructions for more information.
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: Tuesday, August 6:
- All polling locations will be open from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Early Voting: July 27 – August 4 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm in the Walker Commission Chambers.
State General Election
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm. More information to come.
Those who wish to vote absentee can request an absentee ballot for the upcoming elections.
Absentee ballots will be mailed out the week of June 24 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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Life Jacket Safety
- Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
- Double check that your life jacket is appropriate for the water activities you and your loved ones will be participating in. Read the label!
- Take the time to ensure a proper fit: right size and right weight rating.
- Check your life jacket – make sure it is in good serviceable condition, with no tears or holes.
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Life jackets are not swim lesson aids. However, exposure to life jackets during swimming lessons teaches a child how it should fit, and how it feels and performs in the water.
- Children who have learned to swim or are comfortable in the water or in a life jacket still need other layers of drowning protection, including close supervision, fencing barriers, and lifeguards or water watchers.
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Police Department Updates | |
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Metro High School Police Academy
The Walker Police Department was pleased to send staff to assist in instructing at the Metro High School Police Academy in early June. Officer Harkema was one of the main administrators for the weeklong academy experience. Officer Stahr and Sergeant Bartels also contributed their expertise throughout the week, with Chief Mankel and Captain Heugel making appearances as well.
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New Hires
We are pleased to announce that our two newest hires, Officers DeGroot and Officer McGinnis, are progressing smoothly through their field training. They will be on solo patrol before they know it! In addition, Walker PD has two recruits currently enrolled in the Grand Valley State University Police Academy. We are proud to report that both recruits excel in their training, and we eagerly anticipate their graduation and subsequent field training.
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A big thank you to Lost Art Brewhouse & Burger on Remembrance for treating our officers to a wonderful dinner. The food was delicious and greatly appreciated! | |
Walker Ice and Fitness Updates | |
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Summer Hours
Monday - Friday: 5 am - 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am - 5 pm
CLOSED JULY 4TH!
(regular hours the rest of the week)
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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 | | | | |
