Public Safety at Risk: Livonia Vote on Police and Fire Funding
One of Michigan’s safest cities is caught in the midst of a debate over a property tax millage. The City of Livonia has an operations millage that supports salaries and benefits for its first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. The millage on the August ballot is simply a renewal of an existing one that was approved in 2011.
Millage Renewal for Public Safety Staffing
It is important to note that the ballot proposal is a renewal and will not increase taxes; it just renews already existing funding.
There is concern that individuals who oppose the building may inadvertently vote against the millage renewal under the mistaken belief that it would fund the building project. This is simply not true.
What’s Really at Stake for Livonia’s Public Safety
The safety of those living, working, or investing in the City of Livonia could suffer severe consequences if the public safety millage renewal is voted down. The loss of revenue would amount to about $9 million from the public safety budget. That represents a reduction in the police force from about 107 officers to 60-65.
The police officers expressed that voting no for the millage renewal is a vote to defund public safety. The “Can the plan” slogan is being used to create confusion among the voters. If you or someone you know lives, works, or invests in the City of Livonia, please encourage them to be aware of the renewal.
Voting “No” means you’ll have 30-40 fewer police officers. Vote “Yes” on the renewal of the public safety millage.
One of Michigan’s safest cities’ very own public safety is at risk.