GRAND RAPIDS - With the Grand Rapids looking at the biggest cuts in the ranks of city and public safety workers in decades, the public gets to weigh in. The first public meeting is Monday night.

There will be a total of six public meetings.

Last week, City Manager Greg Sundstrum proposed cutting 125 positions from city rosters, including 25 in the fire department and 44 in the police department. City officials say the meetings give the public a chance to engage the city in conversations about how city government can provide basic services given reduced revenues.

Meeting Info (all meetings ar3 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.):
  • November 16, 2009 - City High School (1400 Fuller NE)
  • November 18, 2009 - Gerald R. Ford Middle School (851 Madison SE)
  • November 19, 2009 - Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School (703 Shamrock SW)
  • November 23, 2009 - Union High School (1800 Tremont Blvd. NW)
  • November 30, 2009 - Creston High School (1720 Plainfield NE)
  • December 02, 2009 - Alger Middle School (921 Alger St. SE)
Meanwhile, the City of Kentwood is dealing with declining tax revenue for the first time in 40 years by cutting office hours. The police department introduces new public hours today: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Also, the 24-hour non-emergency telephone line for Kentwood will be converted into an automated service.

Last month, the city cut 30 positions, including the police and fire departments.