Livonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Livonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.