Taylor · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Taylor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
First responder equipment and staffing
Grant Sullivan, Aiden Haupt, and Daniel Langman took the oath as Taylor's newest firefighters, continuing the city's push to fill police and fire ranks.
23rd District Court judges' city health benefits
The council reopened a question from 2008: whether district court judges can buy health insurance through the city at the employee rate. Supporters said nearly every other Michigan district court city allows it and it keeps Taylor competitive for judicial candidates; opponents worried about cost creep and union 'me too' clauses.
CDBG funding plan for 2026-27 and 2026-2030
Fish & Loaves, The Guidance Center, and The Senior Alliance each receive $12,500 in federal block grant money for community services.
Budget amendment 2026-007
Leftover CDBG-CARES Act money with narrow federal eligibility was redirected from small-business assistance to the Fish and Loaves food bank, whose demand has risen with rising costs. If unspent, HUD could have recaptured the funds.
Garbage and yard waste pickup problems
A resident from a heavily taxed subdivision off Northline described weeks of inconsistent garbage and yard waste pickup under GFL; the mayor said he has been in contact with the hauler, which has added trucks.
TIFA and DDA budgets for 2026-27
Council approved both authority budgets. TIFA dollars have funded the animal shelter, Sportsplex, golf courses, and major road work, per Councilman Thomas, without raising taxes.
Headlee rollback limits city millage
A finance memo explained the city is under a Headlee rollback: the charter allows 9.5 mils for operations but the state cap is about 8.12 this year. Only a voter-approved override can restore the difference.
Property tax levy rate of 24.8402 mills
The council set the 2026 property tax rate at 24.8402 mills, correcting the figure after the county submitted updated equalization numbers reflecting veterans exemptions.
2026-2027 City Budget Adoption
The council adopted the full city budget for fiscal year 2026-27. Mayor Woolley called it his toughest budget in five years, citing difficulty finding revenue.
1% Property Tax Administration Fee
The council renewed the 1% fee added to every property tax bill — $4 on a $400 bill — calculated on the tax bill, not taxable value.
Customer Assistance Center merger
The Customer Assistance Center folds into the Building Department July 1. Residents shouldn't notice — phone numbers stay the same, though the call tree will change eventually.
Proposed Capital Improvement Bonds
The city is gearing up to issue capital improvement bonds, hiring bond counsel and a financial advisor to get ready. The cost of these services comes out of bond proceeds — meaning future capital projects are on the way.
Winter tax deadline extension
The council wiped a $3,487 special assessment and $6,465 in delinquent water charges from a foreclosed parcel's tax bill.
OpenGov electronic procurement and contract management system
The city is spending up to $176,754 over three years on software that centralizes bidding and contract tracking. Staff project about $95,000 a year in savings and a return on investment under two years, and say the system will flag expiring contracts before the city is forced into rushed renewals.
Budget amendment 2026-003 for OpenGov funding
A two-line budget amendment moved the OpenGov software purchase from IT contractual services, which has a projected surplus, to purchasing contractual services. It's the funding backbone for the $176,754 procurement contract the council approved the same night.