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Council outlines budget priorities as finance committee reviews FY2026 pre-budget report
Summary
Council received the finance committee’s pre-budget briefing: property tax growth modest, general revenues roughly flat, staffing remains the city’s largest cost driver and council prioritized reallocations and additional financial detail before the preliminary budget. Several follow-up items were requested.
Livonia City Council heard a detailed pre‑budget report from the finance committee and finance director on the municipal budget for the fiscal year ending Nov. 30, 2026. Staff reported property taxes were up about 4% (previously projected at 6%) and general revenue was effectively flat, with personnel costs identified as the largest budget driver.
Council members requested additional detail and several policy actions to shape the FY2026 budget: consideration of redirecting a $2.4 million City Hall allocation to the capital improvement fund, keeping a capital facility manager position in the budget, rescinding an administrative fee charged to commercial properties and the PRDA, and providing financials for the courthouse and the proposed senior center. The council also asked for a five‑year comprehensive capital improvement plan and a usage study for library branches Bennett and Sandburg to inform potential service consolidation.
Finance staff said capital outlay requests will exceed last year’s levels and stressed that final budget decisions will require careful prioritization. The finance and budget committee will hold a subsequent meeting (scheduled for Sept. 18 at DPW) and the finance director will provide the requested balance sheets and department spending details.
The committee emphasized the city will not add positions for 2026 at this time, and that the administration will present options for staff and capital reductions or reallocations. Council members asked for transparency on contracts, car assignments, grants received (excluding police and fire), and a clearer view of city-owned property and vacant land.
