Council approves $78,312 in preconstruction work for new police station amid debate over municipal bond timing

The Livonia City Council on Thursday approved a not‑to‑exceed $78,312 contract for preconstruction services for a proposed new police station, prompting sharp debate over whether the city should spend while a municipal facilities bond remains undecided.

Council approved the contract 4–3 after extended public comment urging the council to wait for an August vote on the municipal facilities bond. Supporters said early preconstruction work and timely bidding could avoid construction price escalation; opponents said committing funds prior to a public vote risks wasting taxpayer dollars and conveys a perception that the council has already decided.

Why it matters: the contract is part of a multi‑year Livonia City Center plan that includes a new police station, library upgrades and other municipal facility work. Administration and the city’s owners’ representative said early procurement and preconstruction coordination could save the city millions by locking in schedules and avoiding bid‑season shortages.

What council voted on: the item before council was a preconstruction services award for the new police station in a not‑to‑exceed amount of $78,312. Council members Mark Morgan, Scott Scheel, Brandon Donovic and Vice President Tashnick voted to approve; Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski and Councilmen Matthew McCullough and Laura Toye voted no.

Arguments for spending: Rick Erickson of PMR, the city’s owner’s representative, told council that hiring a construction manager while architectural work is at the end of schematic design helps refine cost estimates, assess constructability and shorten the procurement timeline so that, if voters approve the municipal bond, bidding could happen this fall. Erickson said earlier bidding and fall bid timing could capture more competitive contractor pricing and reduce escalation, which PMR estimated could save on the order of millions over the life of the program. Erickson also confirmed geotechnical borings are under way and that a geotechnical report should be available in a matter of weeks.

Arguments against spending: Residents and several council members urged a pause until voters decide the bond or until more geotechnical certainty. “Approving any spending on preconstruction services before residents vote sends the wrong signal,” resident Jenny O’Connor said during public comment. Christopher Martin and other residents echoed concerns about fiscal prudence and completing site investigations before committing funds.

Administration context: council previously approved multiple professional service contracts related to the municipal facilities program; administration says nearly $600,000 has been committed across nine contracts already approved by council. City officials said roughly $30,000 of the proposed $78,312 would be expended before the Aug. 5 bond vote if council approved the contract.

Outcome and next steps: the council approved the contract 4–3. Administration and PMR will proceed with preconstruction tasks including cost estimating and constructability review; councilmembers said they would continue outreach and public open houses (scheduled open houses include June 5 for the library and June 10 for the fire station) to explain project details and costs ahead of the August vote.