KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo County is the third Michigan government to create an identification card program for residents who lack documents needed to gain a state ID.

For an hour and a half, more than 30 people told the Board of Commissioners why they should vote yes. The 6-5 vote was split among party lines, but the Democratic majority approved a resolution creating the ID program.

One by one, commissioners announced their vote. Sighs of disappointment were eclipsed by cheers and applause after the result became clear.

Wednesday was the latest in a string of meetings dating back to last winter, when the program was first introduced. At first, it was seen as an off-the-wall idea by an outgoing commissioner.

Dozens of hot hours were spent in packed meetings by a growing group of supporters, to say nothing of the six months of work many contributed to the project outside the board chambers.

Commissioner Tracy Hall, who led a task force charged with prosecuting the reasons for and against the program, struggled to hold in her emotions after the resolution passed.

"This is exactly what direct democracy looks like," she said. "You all had a say in public policy."

Commissioner Mike Quinn said it was the best prepared proposal he has ever seen.

The resolution authorizes an initial budget of $60,000 to begin the program in January 2018 and creates a 0.5 full-time equivalent staff position. It also creates an advisory board that would report to the Board of Commissioners and seek out grant opportunities.

The program will be facilitated by the Kalamazoo County Clerk out of the the County Administration Building on 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave.

It will ensure an estimated 27,000 residents without a state-issued ID still have access to government and commercial services. According to a report from the task force, state-issued identification is a necessity in everyday life.

The report states state ID cards can required to fill a prescription, turn on utilities in a home or use financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and check-cashing services.

However, state and federal programs may not recognize the ID.

The card may not facilitate access to subsidized housing services, state-funded food stamps, welfare benefits and other programs. It will not serve as an alternative to a driver's license or allow the user to vote.

Much like a state ID, residents would be required to prove their residency status and identify themselves with several documents. Various types of identification documents are valued on a point scale, and residents must provide 300-400 points worth of identification to qualify.

For example, a current passport is worth 200 points, while a diploma, employment records and baptismal records are worth 50 points.

The cards will likely costs $10-20.

Opponents of the proposal said the issue is better left to the state and federal government.

"I am first to notice that our immigration laws need changing," said Commissioner John Gisler. "While (this is true) we remain a nation of laws, not emotions, and I will vote no on this."

Commissioner Roger Tuinier said the Kalamazoo County ID doesn't do enough for residents in the community. He would rather the Board of Commissioners pressure state and federal representatives to open the path to legal citizenship.

Commissioner Kevin Wordelman said he was on the same page as Tuinier, but became convinced this was an issue for Kalamazoo County over the months.

"When we have people in our community who are undocumented, but not because they were born in another country -- it could be because they are homeless, have mental illness or are seniors who misplaced documents -- we have to step up," he said. "I think we owe this to the people in our community who struggle with identification for whatever reason. They are out there and the need is real."

Vice Chair Stephanie Moore said an education and outreach effort is needed so people understand the opportunity.

"A high tide raises all boats and that is what we are trying to do here," she said. "The need is so great throughout our community. I think it's up to us to take the risk and step out there and try."

Local institutions and businesses such as Arcadia Ales, Bank Street Farmer's Market, Borgess Medical Center, Catholic Charities Services, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley College, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and Kalamazoo Public Schools, signed in support.

Meanwhile, the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage, as well as Kalamazoo Township, through their perspective municipal governments have voted to show their support.

More than 500 county residents also signed a letter of support for the ID program.

Kalamazoo County ID Program Task Force Report by Malachi Barrett on Scribd