Livonia council votes to place $150 million municipal facilities bond on August 5 ballot

The Livonia City Council voted 6–0 Tuesday to put a proposed $150 million municipal facilities bond before voters on the August 5, 2025 primary ballot. The measure would finance a new police headquarters, upgrades to the city’s fire stations, a new Civic Center library and a central gathering plaza and connected bike and walking loop.

The proposal, described by the mayor as “one solution to two major problems,” asks residents to authorize borrowing up to $150,000,000 over 25 years. The administration and consultants told council they plan to issue the bond in two series: a first draw of up to $100,000,000 and a later request of up to $50,000,000 if additional funds are needed.

Why it matters: city officials said the city’s municipal buildings are aging or functionally obsolete, and that reinvestment is required to maintain public safety, accessibility and services that support families and local businesses. City leaders framed the bond as an investment in public safety, modernized facilities and a civic gathering space intended to help retain and attract residents.

Mayor (unnamed) told council the plan is intended “to modernize our police and our fire stations, to build a new state of the art library, and to create a central gathering space and bike paths to keep families in Livonia and to attract some new ones.” She said the plan reflects multi-year study of city assets beginning in 2020 and that the administration believes the package is affordable for residents over the long term.

Details officials cited include: a new police headquarters adjacent to the courthouse with updated technology and secure parking; renovations and additions to the main fire station and upgrades at the four other stations; a new Civic Center library to replace the 40‑year‑old Bennett Library; a central plaza activated by the library and pathways connecting parks. The administration and consultants (Plant Moran RealPoint) and bond counsel (Miller Canfield) were present for council questions and said the project scope was based on facility condition assessments and space‑needs studies.

The council and administration emphasized the two‑series financing structure. Councilmember Rob Donovic explained the first series would fund initial construction and the administration must return to council to justify any second draw, saying the two‑draw approach “will be very, financially smart and allow for some, protections there.”

Public response at council: several residents spoke for and against moving the question to the ballot. Supporters said new facilities could spur activity, help retain families and support emergency response; opponents urged postponing to November to allow more public outreach and said the combined package was too large or included elements (library, plaza) they did not support. Comments included requests for clearer ballot language and more public education about tax impacts.

Council discussion and vote: council members said the issue had been discussed at length in multiple committee meetings since 2020 and that related professional contracts (architectural, engineering, construction management) had previously been approved by council. After debate and unsuccessful substitute motions to alter timing or scope, Councilmember Scheele (mover) and Councilmember Donovic (second) put the administration’s language on the ballot. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Donovic—Aye; McCullough—Aye; Tashnick—Aye; Budzinski—Aye; Scheele—Aye; Toye—Aye.

What’s next: If council’s placement of the measure survives any legal or procedural review, the city plans an information rollout and a website (livoniabuilt.org) to publish project details and a tax calculator. If voters approve the bond in August, the first borrowing would follow; if the first draw does not cover final costs, administration said it would return to council with justification before seeking the optional second draw.

Votes and limitations: councilmembers repeatedly said that if the measure fails, the city will need to revisit options for funding repairs or partial projects. Several council members asked administration and consultants to tighten cost estimates and pledged ongoing oversight of spending if the bond is approved.

Ending: The ballot question will appear on the August 5, 2025 primary ballot after the 6–0 council vote. The council’s action sends the proposal to voters rather than approving any construction contracts. Quotes and sourcing for the article come from council deliberations, the mayor’s presentation, consultant remarks and public comments recorded at the Livonia City Council meeting.