Troy · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Troy public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fire and Police Training Center Floor Reconditioning
The council will consider spending budgeted funds to recondition the training bay floor at the Fire and Police Training Center, maintaining a key first-responder training facility.
Proposed Troy Youth Advisory Council
Fifty students packed chambers behind a proposal to create a 10-15 member youth council that would advise council, run voter registration drives, and organize volunteer networks at no cost to the city. Council reached consensus to have staff research how one could work, citing Open Meetings Act questions.
Deer overpopulation in southwest Troy
Longtime resident Susan Bergesen pressed council to act on proliferating deer — lost landscaping, car collisions, ecological damage — and asked whether Troy participates in the regional deer coalition or bans hunting. Councilwoman Chamberlain explained why a cull is controversial in a dense suburb; no action taken.
Fire Department Promotional Testing
After Lieutenant Charles Noonan's passing, the department needs a new civil service eligibility list, so the council waived bidding and kept its three-decade vendor Empco for $14,703.
Residential Food Waste Drop-Off Program
Starting soon, residents can drop food scraps at the DPW facility 24/7 — "if it grows, it goes" — plus recycle batteries there. The long-term goal is curbside food waste commingled with yard waste by 2027, with Troy earning Michigan Green Communities Gold status along the way.
Water Connection Fee Increases
Troy proposes adding a fixed quarterly fee — $6 for water, $2.75 for sewer — on every bill to stabilize revenue as water use drops. Average quarterly bills would rise to about $246, still the lowest among peer communities.
Park Shade and Benches
The new inclusive playground is officially open, funded in part by about $250,000 from Oakland County plus a CDBG grant, built with ARC of Oakland County.
920 On The Park low-income housing development
The amended tax agreement (PILOT) for the 920 On The Park development was approved, keeping the low-income housing project on track for an October financing closing.
Inclusive playground opens at Boulan Park
Leftover federal grant money ($67,949) plus a new $318,000+ construction contract will complete the all-abilities playground at Boulan Park by June 30. Design input came from Arc of Oakland County participants and parents.
Stephenson Water Main Rehabilitation
The city awarded a $2.37 million contract to rehabilitate the Stephenson water main, aimed at reliability of the drinking water system.
TCSA dispatch supervisor labor contract
Council ratified a three-year contract with the city's communication supervisors, the folks who keep police and fire dispatch running. It includes wage increases to stay competitive, shift pay adjustments, and $2,500 lump sums in the first two contract years.
August 4 primary election voting options
Resident Susan Kuhn criticized the city for locking the senior center's lunchroom for five days around the August 4 election while a nearby craft room sat empty, even though turnout was expected to be low. City Clerk Dickson explained the smaller room can't safely handle the precinct populations involved, but said the city will keep looking at options.
Turtle Woods parkland preservation
Mayor Pro Tem Chanda reported that funding closed and the Turtle Woods property transferred to Oakland County — about 70 acres of green space and wetlands that will become a public natural park with trails, expected within about a year. Preliminary plans were approved in July.
Direct Dispatch of EMS by Troy Dispatchers
Council Member Gunn asked whether Troy's own dispatchers could dispatch Star EMS ambulances directly instead of transferring 911 calls, potentially shaving time off responses. Staff explained it would require full medical-dispatcher certification, ongoing training, and radio upgrades, and that few agencies in Michigan dispatch private EMS companies.
ZOTA 259 — rebuilding nonconforming detached garages
Over 750 R-1E lots citywide don't meet current lot-size rules, and many older garages sit closer than six feet to lot lines. The change lets owners rebuild on the same footprint instead of seeking a variance — no cost to the city, real relief for homeowners.
GrayKey forensic software for police investigations
Police handled 300+ phone forensics last year, about 200 needing GrayKey, which they currently borrow from partner agencies with long waits. The $44,627 contract brings the unlocking tool in-house, paid from drug forfeiture funds — all searches still require warrants.
Data centers — zoning and local control
Council members raised the emerging question of whether large data centers could come to Troy and what the city's zoning rules allow. No action was taken, but the mayor asked staff for information on what the city can control locally.
FY2026 Year-End Budget Amendments
The city added $875,000 in spending — mostly the settled home builders' lawsuit and recreation center costs — but offset every dollar with higher state revenue and interest income. No reserves touched.
Disc golf course safety at Firefighters Park
Residents say the redesigned disc golf course at Firefighters Park puts baskets and flying discs too close to the walking path, posing a danger to walkers. Staff already relocated five baskets and may add signage; the course should be finished by mid-July.
EMS response time monitoring
The April Star EMS report shows response percentages approaching the 90% target, and council members say they'll keep watching monthly.
Delinquent account collections
About $1.18 million in unpaid water, sewer and city invoices gets certified to the property tax roll, meaning delinquent account holders will see these amounts on their tax bills.