LIVONIA BUILT BOND PROPOSAL
The Livonia Built Bond Proposal will modernize our aging police station, fire stations and library, align them with current and future staffing demands, reduce the building footprints, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs. The proposal also creates a central gathering space and bike paths. All of this lays the foundation for a potential city center that can attract new private development—bringing in restaurants, retail and residential.
LIVONIA BUILT BOND PROPOSAL
INVESTMENT & TAX IMPACT
TOTAL INVESTMENT
$150 million in city improvements, funded through municipal bonds. This is a major, long-term investment to transform Livonia’s public facilities and infrastructure.
REPAYMENT PERIOD
Spread over 25 years. The bonds will be repaid gradually through dedicated property tax bonds over a quarter century, making the yearly impact more affordable.
COST TO RESIDENTS
Less than $12 per month for the average Livonia homeowner. (This figure is based on an average home taxable value; individual amounts will vary.) This increase funds all the improvements described above.
TAX RATE CONTEXT
Even with this bond, Livonia’s property tax rate will remain one of the lowest in Wayne County.
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Bond-Funded project highlights
FIRE STATION UPGRADES
FIRE STATION UPGRADES
NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS
NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS
NEW LIBRARY
NEW LIBRARY
GREEN SPACE / CENTRAL PLAZA
Central Plaza / Green Space
bike path loop
BIKE PATH LOOP
CITY CENTER PROJECT OVERVIEW
This four-phase plan will revitalize Livonia’s Civic Center area and create a true city center. Below is an overview of each phase of the project.
Only Phase 3 — the Livonia Built Bond Proposal — requires taxpayer contributions.
FIRE STATION UPGRADES
Renovation and expansion of the main fire station and major upgrades to four other fire stations across the city. These improvements will enhance safety and accommodate modern equipment. Facilities will be updated for a diverse workforce and to meet current health and safety standards.
Video: WXYZ – Livonia sounds the alarm on outdated fire stations that pose health risks
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Today’s modern fire equipment has changed since our fire stations were built decades ago and newer fire trucks no longer fit in our stations. Renovations will ensure all critical equipment can be housed in every single fire station.
- Right now, our outdated fire stations do not have appropriate facilities to accommodate our female firefighters. With the funding from the bond, all our buildings will be updated to meet the needs of today’s modern firefighters and ensure everyone is accommodated.
- Carcinogens from exposure to fire smoke are a major concern for our firefighters, with inhalation, ingestion and absorption leading to increased risk for cancer. With the upgrades from the bond proposal, our firefighters’ turnout gear and equipment will be stored safely away from their sleeping and eating areas to better protect their health and safety.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
NEW POLICE STATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED
The modern facility will include updated technology and a parking structure, improving operations and officer safety. The new facility, adjacent to the courthouse for efficiency and centralization is designed to attract and retain top talent in our police force by replacing the outdated 1960s building with a structure tailored to meet the needs of today’s law enforcement.
- The current police station was originally designed as a water building in 1961. For decades, our first responders have been operating out of a building that was created for an entirely different purpose and expanded over the years, leaving them without many of the resources needed to effectively serve the community. A new police station will be designed with the goal of serving the needs of today’s police officer and built with updated technology, community spaces, security, and training facilities.
- The old police station is severely lacking when it comes to ADA accessibility throughout the building and adequate locker rooms for female officers. The new station will be ADA accessible with appropriate facilities for male and female officers.
- Because of how the structure was built—over a creek—it has experienced severe water damage throughout the years. Additionally, it is outfitted with four HVAC systems that have been added over the years and cannot keep up with the demand to keep officers comfortable year-round.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
NEW LIBRARY
- Construction of a updated public library that will feature flexible learning and meeting rooms, modern technology infrastructure, maker space, and family-friendly program areas. It will be more efficient and ADA accessible, designed to attract people of all ages and better serve the community’s technological needs.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Our current library was created before the technology boom happened, meaning the spaces are not equipped with the resources to help people flourish in today’s modern world. Through the bond, the new library will be designed with an emphasis on modern technology, curating a central resource for users.
- The existing library was built before current ADA requirements were put into place. The new library will be constructed in compliance with all applicable ADA standards and with the goal of increasing accessibility for users.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
green Space + Central Plaza
Development of a new central gathering space and plaza will offer a place for people and families to gather and celebrate important moments. The new library, as well as Livonia Parks and Recreation, will host special events and activities in the plaza. The central plaza will provide an outdoor community space for events, and everyday enjoyment.
Bike/walk loop
These pathways will offer a connected bike and walking loop through the Civic Center campus. The new pathways will link into existing parks — connecting Rotary Park to Ford Field and beyond — giving residents of all ages safe, walkable access to recreation.
FACT VS. FICTION
- FICTION
“This bond will pay for new housing developments and shopping centers.”
- FACT
False. The bond will NOT fund any housing or retail projects. It only finances municipal construction — the police station and police parking structure, fire stations, library, and park space. Future housing, restaurants, or shops in the city center will be built by private developers without requiring an additional tax increase for voters.
- FICTION
“We can just renovate buildings. We don’t need to tear down and start new.”
- FACT
Renovations were considered. However, the materials used in the original construction — including steel and concrete structural walls, lead and asbestos — make retrofitting difficult and costly. As part of authorizing the submission of this bond proposal to voters, the City Council has spent the past four years studying the viability of our structures, our space needs and the highest and best use of City property. Council members have observed the growing costs and investment needs for our aging, inefficient city buildings.
- FICTION
“Our taxes will skyrocket because of this proposal.”
- FACT
The cost impact is less than $12 per month for the average homeowner. The $150 million bond is structured over 25 years to keep it affordable. In Phases 1 and 2 of Vision 21, the City found funding without new taxes; Phase 3 is the only phase requiring a new bond to accomplish these critical improvements. Even with this bond, Livonia’s millage rate will remain among the lowest rates in Wayne County.
FAQ'S
Here are some of the most common questions about the Livonia Built bond proposal. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out through our “Ask Us Anything” section below.
Did we consider renovating the old library?
We did. However, the limitations of the current building are significant. Rebuilding in a new location provides the opportunity to keep the current library operating while a new one is being built. It also brings new efficiencies, modern mechanical and electrical systems to reduce operating and maintenance costs. The cost difference between renovating and building new is about $2 a month for the average homeowner.
Why do we need a new library?
The current Bennett Library building has a failing roof system; lacks dedicated, flexible spaces for teens, story time, meetings, study rooms, and workspace; is not fully ADA compliant; and cannot meet modern technology demands. The new library would be more efficient at 50,000-square-feet, rather than the 64,000-square-foot current building. It will accommodate more advanced technology, maker space and family-friendly program areas.
What are the benefits of a combined City Hall and Library?
Glad you asked. These two spaces have different daily operating schedules and uses. Creating a large, flexible meeting room and other spaces that both the Library and City Hall will use saves on square footage. Additionally, a connected building reduces the amount and cost of materials for exterior construction walls.
Have we considered the impact of material cost changes in times of economic uncertainty?
We are using conservative estimates with appropriate contingencies in consideration of changes with tariffs, inflation, etc. We also retain the potential to scale back the project, if it becomes necessary.
How big is the central gathering plaza?
This new park/plaza will be approximately 2.5 acres, which is larger than Kellogg Park in Plymouth. Plans include a fountain, amphitheater, art spaces, play area, splash pad and more.
The plan shows a pond. Why is that being created and where does the water come from?
A natural stormwater management system will treat water runoff from the property on which city buildings are being constructed. This water will be stored in the pond area, creating a passive recreation area surrounded by dense woods, trails and plans for boardwalks, an observation deck, library programming space for story times, etc.
Where is everyone going to park?
On-street and surface parking will be created to serve Library patrons, central gathering plaza visitors, and people using City Hall. The Police Department will have a dedicated parking structure constructed to improve officer safety and extend vehicle life.
What green initiatives are being considered for this project?
Among the environmental improvements will be: Smaller building footprints (reducing the square footage of the new City Hall and the new Bennett Library by about 50,000 square feet), recycling demolition materials, upgraded insulation of buildings, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, modern building management systems/digital temperature controls, LED building lighting, daylight harvesting, LED site lighting, digital lighting controls, low flow/efficient plumbing fixtures, and stormwater management systems. We are also considering initiatives such as green roofs, use of recycled materials, and use of low-carbon construction materials.
What is the project timeline?
Spring 2026-Spring 2028 – New Police Station
Fall 2026-Summer 2028 – New Bennett Civic Center Library
Spring 2027-Fall 2028 – Renovate Fire Station No. 1
Summer 2027-Fall 2029 – New Bike/Walk Loop and Greenway
Spring 2028-Fall 2029 – Renovate Fire Stations 3-6
Summer 2028-Fall 2029 – New Central Gathering Plaza
Is City Hall part of the Bond Proposal going before voters?
How long will it take to repay the bond?
We are requesting a 25-year payback term.
How could Bond Proposal costs adjust in subsequent years?
Under the Livonia Built Bond Proposal, the city will borrow up to $150 million with a promise to pay it back with annual payments of principal and interest over 25 years. Several factors will impact the amount levied on residential tax bills each year to meet the City’s annual bond payments – the most important factors are the interest rate and taxable values. The interest rate will be set at the time of the bonds are sold. Taxable values change each year based on factors such as inflation, property improvements and sales activity.
Independent bond advisors estimate 1.43 mills of taxable value across the city will pay back the debt service on the bond for the first year. Each year, the millage rate is recalculated based on the City’s overall taxable value. Initial projections estimate taxable values will go up by 2 percent per year. In other words, the millage rate will stay about the same if the city’s overall taxable value grows steadily by 2 percent a year. If overall values increase by more than 2 percent, a rate lower than the 1.43 mills would be enough to pay back the bond. If the city-wide taxable value increases less than 2 percent, a rate higher than 1.43 mills may be required to make the bond payments. Taxable values have increased by the following amounts over the last five years:
2024 6.82%
2023 5.89%
2022 5.04%
2021 2.79%
2020 3.40%
(Information source: City of Livonia Annual Assessment Data Books)
Is the cost for demolition for buildings on the Civic center campus included in the bond proposal?
We can use bond proceeds from the $150 million to demolish any of the existing buildings that fall within the footprint of PUBLIC USE spaces. That includes the existing City Hall, Police Station, and Civic Center Library (approximately $3 million). If the footprint of public use space moves and any of the buildings were no longer in that new footprint, we would not use bond dollars to fund the demo.
We cannot use tax-exempt bonds to pay to demolish the other three buildings (old court, old senior center, Sam’s Place), because we expect those areas to ultimately benefit private development. We expect to pursue Brownfield Redevelopment funding, TIFA funding, or public-private partnership dollars to demo some or all of these buildings. However, if these alternate funding sources are not available, the City has an existing Capital Projects fund balance that could be used for demolition.
I own a business in Livonia. How can I find out what my taxes will be if the bond is approved?
Livonia businesses can contact the City’s Assessing Office at (734) 466-2220 to get their monthly bond cost calculated.
ASK US ANYTHING!
Your voice matters. Have a question or need more information? Ask us below — we’re committed to keeping our community informed, connected, and involved every step of the way.
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Important Dates
JUNE 5
Educational Open House 6-7:30 p.m. at the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library, 32777 Five Mile Road.
JUNE 10
Educational Open House 6-7:30 p.m. at Livonia Fire and Rescue Headquarters/Station 1, 14910 Farmington Road.
JUNE 26
Absent Voter ballots will be available in-person at the City Clerk’s Office. First mailing of Absent Voter ballots to voters who have already submitted an application or are on the Permanent Ballot List will occur.
JULY 17
Educational Open House 6-7:30 p.m. at the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center, 15100 Hubbard.
JULY 21
Voter registration deadline 15 days before Aug. 5 election.
JULY 24
Educational Open House 5:30-7 p.m. at the Livonia Police Department, 15050 Farmington Road.
AUG. 3-4
Early In-Person Voting available at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit VoteLivonia.org for more information or to view a sample ballot.
AUG. 5
Election Day