Residents, speakers press council on $150 million millage, campaign timing and marketing costs

Livonia residents urged the City Council Tuesday to reject an August millage proposal that would borrow $150 million to renovate five fire stations, build a new library, a police station and a city hall, saying the ballot timing and campaign spending were problematic. The concerns came during the council—s public-comment period ahead of the Aug. 5 primary election, when speakers said low turnout and behind-the-scenes promotion could skew the result. The Detroit News editorial board advised voters to oppose what it called "sneaky tax hike proposals" placed in low-turnout elections, a point read into the record by resident Deb Christiansen. "Ballot proposals that ask for tax hikes should be presented to voters in elections with the highest anticipated participation," she said, reading the editorial that recommended moving large revenue requests to the November general election. Why it matters: Council members and dozens of residents said the size of the borrowing and the timing of the vote make public trust and outreach central issues. Several speakers asked the city to present alternatives that would reduce taxpayer burden, and one resident said she had a plan to meet the projects' objectives without a new millage. Speakers and public commenters repeatedly raised two related concerns: (1) the timing of the vote in an August primary with lower turnout and (2) how the city has spent taxpayer dollars to promote the "Livonia Built" proposal. At the meeting, critic Jim Biga read FOIA figures he said came from the administration about promotional spending: "3,000 business cards, 2,000 bookmarks, 3,050 flyers, 15 foam boards, 13 vinyl banners 30 by 60, 80 yard signs, 2,500 bandanas" and a $19,500 contract with a media strategy company. Biga said the total he found so far was $33,690.66. Union member Chris Moore, who said he supports forward-looking municipal investment, also criticized aspects of the campaign and the plan—s scope while acknowledging potential economic benefits for tradespeople. "According to state law, Livonia can increase our taxable value by up to 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower," Moore said and then described a homeowner—s projected lifetime tax effect. Council response and context: Council members repeatedly urged residents to vote and do their homework ahead of the Aug. 5 election; officials noted absentee and early-voting options are available. Councilmember Donovan said thousands of absentee ballots had been mailed and some returned, and other members emphasized that department heads who support the plan do not vote on it and that the decision rests with Livonia voters. Several commenters asked the city to re-scope projects to modernize existing facilities rather than demolish and rebuild, and one speaker suggested the city use earmarked funds to avoid a millage. Ending: The council did not take an immediate vote on the bond proposal at Tuesday—s meeting; speakers and council members said more public engagement and information would continue between now and balloting on Aug. 5.