News Summary
The City of Novi, Michigan is proposing a $120 million public safety facilities bond for the August ballot. This funding will support new police and fire facilities, including replacing two outdated fire stations and renovating Fire Station 4. If approved, taxpayers would see a minimal tax increase starting in 2026. Community discussions are planned to inform residents before the election, with construction expected to start in 2026.
Novi, Michigan Proposes $120 Million Public Safety Facilities Bond for August 2025 Election
The City of Novi, Michigan, is set to present a Public Safety Facilities Bond Proposal during the upcoming ballot for the August 5, 2025, election. The proposal aims to borrow up to $120 million through unlimited tax general obligation bonds. This funding will be used for the acquisition, construction, furnishing, and equipping of a new public safety facility, which will encompass both the police and fire department facilities.
As part of the initiative, two new fire department facilities are intended to replace the existing, outdated Fire Stations 2 and 3. Additionally, renovations will be made to Fire Station 4, ensuring that facilities meet contemporary standards. The funds from the bond will also cover necessary site acquisitions, demolition of older buildings, and related road improvements to enhance accessibility.
If approved, the bond will be payable over a span not exceeding 25 years from the date of issue. The estimated millage rate for taxpayers is projected to be 1.0 mills ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) starting in 2026. Homeowners with a taxable value of $250,000 would experience an approximate annual tax increase of $125.
The bond proposal received unanimous approval from the city council during a meeting held on March 10. The future police and fire stations will be strategically located on Lee BeGole Drive, in proximity to the current police gun range, allowing for efficient operations and response times.
Financial Breakdown and Project Timeline
The cost estimates for the new police and fire facilities, including renovations, are around $91.85 million for the main centralized facility. Specific estimates for the fire stations include $13.15 million for Fire Station #2, approximately $13 million for Fire Station #3, and $2 million for on-site improvements at Fire Station #4. Overall, the bond proposal is developed as part of the city’s long-term strategy to modernize its public safety infrastructure.
The current public safety buildings in Novi are over 40 years old and are not equipped to handle the modern demands of policing and firefighting. City officials and the police chief have cited significant space constraints, including inadequate private meeting areas and locker room facilities. To address these deficiencies, the city has contemplated the bond proposal for at least four years, demonstrating a commitment to investing wisely in municipal infrastructure rather than throwing resources at outdated systems.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
To facilitate informed discussions on the bond proposal, community informational meetings are planned in the lead-up to the election. These meetings will aim to outline the implications of the proposal for local residents.
If the proposal secures approval from voters, the design phase for the new facilities is slated to commence in fall 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. The overall duration for the completion of the project is expected to be around five years. Notably, Novi will be debt-free by 2026, an advantageous condition cited by city officials as this proposal comes forward.
Importance of Public Safety Improvements
City officials have emphasized the pressing need for improvements in public safety facilities to not only address current demands but also to enhance the working conditions for police and fire personnel. As the city embarks on this significant infrastructure project, the bond proposal stands as a pivotal step toward ensuring that emergency services in Novi are adequately equipped to serve the community effectively.
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Additional Resources
- Hometown Life: Novi Puts $120 Million Public Safety Proposal on August Ballot
- CBS News: Novi’s $120 Million Public Safety Proposal
- WXYZ: Novi Residents to Vote on $120M Proposal for Public Safety
- Oakland County 115: Novi Public Safety Facilities Bond on August 5 Ballot
- Click On Detroit: Novi Proposes $120M Bond for Emergency Facilities
