Growth of ZeelandTim Klunder, City Manager, told us what is behind getting residents to Feel the Zeel! The City of Zeeland has 7 areas in its strategic plan that are tied to actions. Tim detailed a few of the areas that make Zeeland stand out. Zeeland works on financial sustainability. With a population of 5,000, the city budget is $71 million. The tax rate is among the lowest in the area, with 69% of taxes coming from industrial and commercial concerns. The Consumers Power generating plant contributes 38% of the tax revenue. Zeeland is already planning how to replace the revenue when the plant eventually closes. The Mead Johnson Nutrition plant is undergoing a large expansion. Another unique activity in which the city has engaged is in using city money to purchase unused parcels within the city. The city readies the parcel for reuse and recruits a developer. Zeeland is also following in Holland's footsteps and installing a snow melt system in downtown. |
