Detroit Consent Agreement Approved By City Council

Source: Huffington Post

Posted: 04/ 4/2012 6:56 pm Updated: 04/ 4/2012 8:19 pm

Detroit City Council on Wednesday voted 5-4 to enter into an agreement with the state of Michigan that will radically alter the structure of the city's government. Proponents said the agreement will help the struggling city's finances and pay off its longterm debts, but opponents said the measure was forced on Detroit by the state and undermines local democracy.

The agreement allows city officials to retain their powers, but puts city operations and budgeting in the hands of a nine-member financial advisory board, chief financial officer and program management director. It also abrogates the city's duty to bargain with its public employees.

Deputy Mayor Kirk Lewis signed the consent agreement document on behalf of Mayor Dave Bing, who is back in the hospital following an earlier surgery. The financial review team voted 7-0, with three members absent, to approve the consent agreement Wednesday afternoon. It now goes to Gov. Rick Snyder.

"The council has acted responsibly to put Detroit on the path to financial stability," Snyder said in a statement. "Approval of the consent agreement is a positive opportunity for the city and our entire state."

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