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Residents urge voters to reject proposed city millage during public comment
Summary
Multiple residents used the public-comment period at the Livonia City Council meeting to urge a 'no' vote on a city millage scheduled for early August, saying the timing and cost would burden struggling households.
Three residents told the Livonia City Council during public comment on July 21 that voters should reject a proposed city millage set for an August election. Jillian Grama, a resident, said the measure is "a $150,000,000 tax increase" and urged people to oppose it at the polls. Steve King of Country Gardens and resident Christopher Martin also told the council they oppose the proposal and encouraged other residents to vote no.
Why it matters: Council meeting speakers framed the millage as a high-cost proposal timed during a period of economic strain for many residents; public-comment speakers said the city should pursue alternatives rather than ask taxpayers for more. The forum was the meeting's public-comment period; no council action on the millage was taken at the meeting.
Speakers described impacts on everyday household budgets. Jillian Grama said she is a single mother with a son with medical needs and that another tax increase would threaten her household: "If there's another tax increase, my mom will lose her home." Steve King described broader economic pressures — including rising costs for medical care, vehicles and rent — and said, "This is not the time to ask struggling taxpayers for more." Christopher Martin said he is "an advocate for voting no on this millage" and encouraged turnout for the opposition.
The statements in the meeting were appeals from residents during the public-comment portion of the council meeting. The council did not vote on or formally discuss the millage measure during the session; speakers referred to an upcoming election date and urged turnout. The meeting record shows public comments opposing the millage but contains no council motion or formal action on the proposal.
The council's next scheduled meetings were referenced during the session; speakers urged residents to attend forums and vote on the scheduled election date. The public-comment remarks reflect opposition from several residents but do not constitute an official council position.
