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Residents and council press for renewal of Livonia public safety millage ahead of August vote
Summary
Residents urged approval of the city—s expiring public safety millage, stressing that the operating millage pays salaries and benefits and cannot legally be used to fund a new police station; several council members voiced support and discussed budget implications.
Several Livonia residents and council members urged the City Council on April 13 to support renewal of the city—s public safety operating millage, which the speakers said funds police, fire and emergency services and expires this year.
"This millage renewal is for public safety, salaries and benefits. Only a new police station project would be funded separately through bonding and capital funds by law," Kathleen McIntyre, a Livonia resident, told the council during audience communication. She said claims on social media that the millage would pay for a new facility are "categorically false."
Paul Condon, a 46-year Livonia resident, said the renewal is not a new tax and cited an annual yield figure, saying the levy generates roughly $9.5 million a year to support personnel costs. Multiple speakers framed the renewal as essential to maintain existing police, fire and EMS staffing levels.
Council members echoed that distinction between operating and capital funding and described the city—s fiscal picture. "Personnel costs make up $60 million of the $77 million in [the general fund]. Police is 41% and fire is 23%," Council member McCullough said while describing the general-fund makeup and the share devoted to public safety.
Council member Saccone explicitly stated support for the renewal on the record: "I 100% support the renewal of the public safety millage. I 100% support a new police station for our police department as well." Several other council members voiced similar backing during remarks.
City officials, members of the public and council members emphasized that a separate capital vote or bond would be required to build a new police facility; they asked residents to distinguish that separate capital question from the operating millage on the ballot.
Next steps: Council discussion of the millage and the city budget will continue during the upcoming budget season; the renewal will appear on the August ballot for voters to decide.
