Benton Harbor Considers Ambulance Millage, South Haven Man Arrested for Firearm Assault

Local officials weigh new funding for emergency services as police make arrest in separate incident

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:55pm

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An extreme close-up of a single spent shell casing reflecting a bright flash of light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a firearm incident.A stark visual reminder of the threat of gun violence that continues to impact many communities.Benton Harbor Today

The city of Benton Harbor, Michigan is considering a new property tax millage to fund its municipal ambulance service, while police in nearby South Haven have arrested a man for an alleged firearm assault.

Why it matters

Access to reliable emergency medical services is a critical public safety issue, especially in smaller cities and rural areas that often struggle with budget constraints. Meanwhile, gun violence remains a concern in many communities, underscoring the need for effective law enforcement response.

The details

In Benton Harbor, city leaders are exploring a new property tax millage to provide stable funding for the city's ambulance service, which has faced financial challenges in recent years. The proposed millage would need to be approved by voters. Separately, police in South Haven have arrested a 42-year-old local man for an alleged firearm assault, though details on the specific incident remain limited.

  • The Benton Harbor city council is expected to discuss the proposed ambulance millage at its next meeting on April 10, 2026.
  • The South Haven police made the arrest on April 2, 2026 following the alleged firearm assault incident.

The players

Benton Harbor

A city located in southwest Michigan that is considering a new property tax to fund its municipal ambulance service.

South Haven Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested a 42-year-old man for an alleged firearm assault in the city of South Haven, Michigan.

42-year-old South Haven Resident

The individual arrested by South Haven police for an alleged firearm assault incident.

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What’s next

The Benton Harbor city council will vote on whether to place the proposed ambulance millage on the ballot for voters to decide. The South Haven man arrested will face criminal charges related to the alleged firearm assault.

The takeaway

These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges that smaller Michigan communities face in funding critical public services like emergency medical response, as well as the persistent threat of gun violence that requires effective law enforcement intervention.