Troy Delays Facility Upgrades in Budget Plan as Library's Future Debated

City cites lack of funds after failed $137 million bond proposal for parks, roads, and new library.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of an empty library interior, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the bookshelves and reading tables, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and uncertainty about the library's future.As Troy grapples with budget constraints, the future of the city's public library remains uncertain, reflecting broader challenges in funding critical community infrastructure.Troy Today

The city of Troy, Michigan is postponing improvements to its public facilities and equipment, including the aquatic center, district court, and fire engine fleet, in the upcoming fiscal year budget due to a lack of funding. This comes after residents rejected a 1.13-mill, 20-year property tax that would have generated $137 million for various city projects, including a new $75 million library. The library's future is now uncertain, with only ongoing maintenance needs addressed in the proposed $235.4 million budget.

Why it matters

Troy's budget constraints highlight the challenges cities face in funding critical infrastructure and public services when bond measures fail. The debate over the library's future also reflects broader tensions around prioritizing community needs and managing limited resources.

The details

Troy Chief Financial Officer Rob Maleszyk confirmed that virtually all improvements to the city's aquatic center, district court, and fire engine fleet would not be addressed in the proposed $235.4 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The city has set aside $2.5 million for HVAC, boiler, and chiller services, as well as $900,000 for office renovations, but the library will only receive funding for ongoing maintenance from its own $4.9 million savings account.

  • In January 2026, Mayor Ethan Baker said one of the problems with the public perception of the failed bond measure 'was that it became the library bond proposal.'
  • The $137 million bond measure was rejected by residents in November 2025.

The players

Rob Maleszyk

Troy's Chief Financial Officer who confirmed the budget constraints and postponed facility upgrades.

Theresa Brooks

Troy City Council Member who acknowledged the city is 'constantly kind of putting off projects because we don't have the revenue for everything.'

Ethan Baker

Troy's Mayor, who encouraged the City Council and staff to remain mindful of needed improvements, even if they weren't included in the upcoming budget.

Emily Dumas

Troy Public Library Director, who said the library will use its own savings to fund a tech center upgrade and a carport for the bookmobile.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Obviously, we were anticipating the passage of the bond, but it didn't pass, and we're constantly kind of putting off projects because we don't have the revenue for everything.”

— Theresa Brooks, Troy City Council Member

“With the bond not passing, it's really just a question of prioritizing needs. And as you can see from the meeting last night, it's just a question of what needs to be done and when it needs to be done just to keep things up and running.”

— Emily Dumas, Troy Public Library Director

“I don't want anyone to think that the whole bond thing was just a fun exercise, and then we're fine and moving on and everything, because we're not. There are whole reports and binders full of things that are not getting done still, not because of bad stewardship.”

— Ethan Baker, Troy Mayor

What’s next

City officials are looking to state and federal grants to purchase a new ladder truck for the fire department. The city has also not reached an agreement with Oakland County about the district court facility, which is delaying those improvements.

The takeaway

Troy's budget constraints following the failed bond measure highlight the difficult choices cities face in prioritizing critical infrastructure and public services with limited resources. The uncertain future of the public library reflects broader community tensions around balancing needs and managing fiscal realities.