Livonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Livonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Part-time Parks and Recreation wage adjustments
Wage rates and classifications for part-time Parks and Recreation employees would be adjusted.
Fiscal year 2026 budget amendments
Leaf pickup, recycling, transit staffing and bus repairs, cable fund shortfalls and higher Great Lakes Water Authority bills are driving year-end amendments. Council Member Carrie Budzinski pressed whether these costs were built into next year's budget.
Fiscal year 2025 budget adjustments
Leaf pickup, recycling, transit staffing and bus repairs, cable fund shortfalls and higher Great Lakes Water Authority bills are driving year-end amendments. Council Member Carrie Budzinski pressed whether these costs were built into next year's budget.
Workers' compensation insurance savings
Competitive pressure drove the excess coverage price from $190K down to $150K a year, saving the city meaningfully on a required insurance renewal.
Employee assistance and insurance programs
The city would renew workers' compensation and liability/property insurance covering December 2026 through November 2028.
Proposed FY 2027 City Budget and Property Tax Millage
The proposed $235 million budget is on the table, with property tax revenue projected at $79.8 million. Residents should know their average city tax bill is about $1,404/year and that only 32 cents of every tax dollar stays with the city. Big question marks: aging buildings and rising repair costs.
Dump truck purchases and procurement transparency
Residents pushed back hard on nearly $950,000 in dump truck purchases placed on the consent agenda without questions about how many trucks the city already owns. McCullough defended the cooperative purchasing agreement as fully documented in the packet.
Sidewalk special assessments
Closing out the 2025 sidewalk program sends bills to about 182 property owners — roughly $250 per concrete square, averaging about $1,000 per property. Bills over $400 can be spread on the tax rolls at 6% interest.
New Capital Planning and Budget Manager position
The administration wants to consolidate capital planning and budgeting into one new classification. Critics including Steve King call it another layer of management instead of accountability; council wants answers about the mayor's separate capital planning committee first.
Library boiler replacement and bid waiver dispute
A $114,667 boiler replacement at the Bennett Library split council — McCullough and McDonnell insisted on competitive bidding per the city's own ordinance, while DPW argued extending the Sandberg Library contractor's pricing saves time before heating season.
City spending accountability
Residents Steve King and Christopher Martin raised wasteful spending claims, from road salt contracts to work program crews sitting in vehicles; Christopher Martin also called for ZBA meetings to be broadcast.
Consent Agenda Public Comment Procedures
A resident threatened a formal complaint alleging that limiting comment on consent agenda items violates the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Council and the city attorney countered that speakers get three minutes per speaker, and items can be pulled for separate discussion.
City employee compensation and labor agreements
A bundle of raises and benefit updates covering department heads, non-union staff, and the AFSCME Local 192 contract, plus a $20/hour increase for the city's labor attorney — all up for a vote March 23.
Minimum wage compliance for city workers
Entry-level city and Parks & Rec wages are going up because Michigan's minimum wage increased — the city has to raise these pay rates to stay legal.
Senior Wellness Center furniture
About $52,000 in furniture bought without formal bidding — council cut the trash/recycling receptacles and wants more discussion, with residents questioning some fees.