FLINT DEFICIT REDUCTION PLAN

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
Full article
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/

4/21/09 By Terry Bankert
http://flintfamilylaw.com/
Summary posted first to Flint Talk
http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=43416#43416

STATE FORCES THE CITY OF FLINT TO MAKE MORE BUDGET CONCESSIONS

It is a state requirement of any local government operating in the red. The plan will reduce that debt completely within five years. In the plan, the mayor said they have reduced the city’s executive staffing by between $1 million and $1.5 million. [3]

STATE MONITORS IN CITY HALL TELL BROWN YOU HAVE TO DO MORE

Brown said the state government has worked with the city in drafting the plan for two months. There wasn’t any specific word on whether more cuts could come to police and fire. Brown said the city is actively seeking grants from the federal government to sustain and add more police and firefighters to the city. [3]

FLINT IS WORKING HARD TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW REQUIREING A BALANCED BUDGET AND AVOID STATE TAKE OVER LIKE PONTIAC

"The state will try its darnedest not to come to Flint," said Schimmel, the finance director at the Mackinac Center. "They don't want to take over municipalities. The state has enough problems of its own."Schimmel said Pontiac has failed to address the root problems in its budget, and its expenses would have continued to spiral out of control without a state takeover."They didn't have the gumption or the political will to stand up and make the tough decisions," Schimmel said.[6]

IN THE PROCESS OF A STATE TAKE OVER THE STATES RESPONSIBILITY IS TO DEMAND A BALANCED BUDGET AND A DEFCIT REDUCTION PLAN

The recovery plan to be presented by Mayor Brown is a required action by the State of Michigan for any municipality that operates with a budget deficit. [4]

ITS SAD WHEN THE STATE HAS TO COME IN TO TELL US TO BALANCE OUR BOOKS, TO CORRECT PROBLEMS CAUSED BY WILLIAMSON,BUCHANAN AND THE CURRENT COUNCIL. BROWN HAS A TOUGH JOB.

"Because we had the state at the table with us as we went through this process for the past two months, I feel very comfortable that we're really following the dictates of the state," he said.[2]

WHO DOES IT GO TO AT THE STATE LEVEL.WHAT LAW REQUIRES THIS? WHAT HAPPENS IS THE PERSONNEL AT THE STATE LEVEL REJECT THE CITY PROPOSAL?

Flint City officials have presented their plan to balance the city’s budget. Now it moves on to the state for a final approval. It was a fairly crowded City Council chambers Monday night, where Acting Mayor Mike Brown presented the deficit elimination plan, unanimously passed by the city council at 7:12 p.m. [3]

WHERE IN LANSING DOES THE CITY PROPOSAL GO?

The deficit-elimination plan now heads to Lansing.[2]

BROWN SUBMITTED A BUDGET AND NOW FIORCED TO SUBMIT AN AMENDMENT

"Every municipality must present a balanced budget," Brown said. "We didn't create this mess but we are cleaning it up. We got 9-0 support from Council so I think it sends the right message to the community," he said. [3]

THE COUNCIL IS RESPONSIBLE WITH PAST MISMANAGEMENT ALONG WITH WILLIAMSON AND BUCHANAN, NO EXCUSES

"I wish we didn’t have to do this at all," said City Council President Jim Ananich. "But if you don’t present the deficit reduction plan, the state will come in and make drastic cuts. You’ve got to operate within the means that you have. You can’t have hope budgets. You have to have realistic budgets," he said.[3]

WHY DID THE COUNCIL NOT DO THIS BEFORE?

Wiping away nearly $14 million in red ink. The Flint City Council Monday gave the green light to the interim mayor's plan to start fixing the city budget. [2]

THE COUNCIL SHOULD FOLLOW SUIT BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF COUNCIL SEATS FROM 9 TO 5.

The numbers submitted to the state include various city revenue sources and include savings the city made through various budget cuts, including more than 100 job layoffs.[2]

DID BROWN CUT TOO DEEP INTO POLICE AND ENDANGER OUR COMMUNITY?

Brown says he's trying to reduce that, especially with regard to police.[2]

New Flint plan would save 10 public safety jobs by cutting executive positions [1]
The city may ax about 10 executive-level positions in order to save 10 public safety positions.[1]

The plan calls for the city to pay itself back more than $2 million the first year, and nearly $3 million in each of the four remaining years.[2]

Deficit plan highlights The Flint City Council on Monday unanimously approved a 5-year deficit reduction plan that eliminates a $14-million deficit by 2015. [1]

The plan cuts personnel costs and increases revenue by hiking fees for services. The city will also hire a grant writer to apply for federal grants.[1]

IS THIS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF VOODOO BOOKKEEPING?

There are also plans to use underutilized accounting methods to boost the city's troubled general fund with $3.9 million from the city's healthier water and sewer funds.[1]

IS THIS THE LAST DITCH EFFORT TO STOP A STATE TAKE OVER?

The white-collar cuts would come in addition to a new deficit reduction plan that temporary Mayor Michael Brown will send to Lansing this week in an attempt to convince state officials that the city can eliminate its $14-million deficit by 2015.[1]

NEELEY WAS ON THE COUNCIL THAT ALLOWED THE DEFICIT REDUCTION

"If the economic tide changes in this community, then we'll be able to pay this off sooner," said Councilman Sheldon Neeley.[2]

THE CITY DOES NOT NEED A SURPLUS IT NEEDS POLICE

Under the plan submitted to the state, the city will clear out its debt within five years and eventually end up with a surplus. [2]

EXACTLY?

The interim mayor's administration laid out exactly how the plan would work.[2]
The plan is serving as the blueprint to help the city get its finances back in order.[2]

"If we're spending money on executive staff, we can't spend it on police and fire," Brown said. "It's the right thing to do."[1]

WHAT DOES THE COUNCIL DISAGREE WITH?

Brown also proposed a reorganization of the city government, but not all city council members supported those possible changes. NBC25 spoke with Brown and members of council immediately after the measure was passed. [3]

FINANCE DIRECTOR?

"This will give us a clean slate," said Finance Director Scott Kincaid. "We don't have to worry about raising taxes to the residents in the city of Flint."[2]


Wow cuts across the board that include some executive positions, who would have thunk it.....[Posted by micu29 on [1]][1]

YOU WOULD THINK THE COUNCIL WOULD PUBLICLY DISCUSS THIS?

The Flint City Council on Monday unanimously approved Brown's plans to get rid of the deficit through personnel cuts, hikes in service fees and changes to accounting methods. The city will also hire a grant writer to apply for federal grants.[Posted by micu29 on [1]][1]

DO YOU THINK A MAJOR REORGANIZATION SHOULD HAVE PUBLIC DEBATE?

Brown also proposed not only reorganizing his office, but other city departments. The plan includes a public safety department for services like police and fire.[2]

WHY DID THE COUNCIL NOT DISCUSS THIS BEFORE THEY ADOPTED IT? IS THERE A STATE DEADLINE?

The council will later take a look at Brown's administrative reorganization plan.With 85 layoffs already announced -- mostly in the police and fire departments -- Brown is looking for ways to spare public safety from more cuts.[1]

Posted by retiretime on
04/20/09 at 10:39PM
Who would have thunk it, not mike brown until now. I wonder who told him he was cutting to deep in safety. Here comes the puppet man, the puppet man, the puppet man.... [1]

The proposed administrative cuts would save about $1 million, which means they could save about 10 public safety positions, Brown said.[1]

The city's executive positions would be chopped by more than half compared to former Mayor Don Williamson, who had 25 administrative positions.[1]

Under Brown's plan, the city would have 11 executive jobs plus the mayor, according to a fact sheet handed out by Brown. Brown had already eliminated some executive positions when he took over for Williamson in February.[1]

Saving police and fire jobs would be welcome news to north end resident Gwendolyn Turner, who said the city's streets need more police. There was a fight amongst numerous youth in her neighborhood over the weekend, but she said the police response was slow.[1]

"We called the police, but it took them hours and hours to get out there," Turner said.[1]Specific administrative positions to cut haven't been publicly identified yet, but Brown presented a broad plan to consolidate departments, including:[1]

• Creating a public safety department that includes police, fire, EMS and 911. There would still be a police and fire chief, but some administrative positions could be eliminated. [1]

There is also a development and infrastructure department for areas like parks and recreation, and code enforcement.[2]

There is also a department for all finance issues like the budget and accounts payable.[2]
Finally, there is also a human resources department for things like labor relations and benefits.[2]

The proposed department consolidations are estimated to save the city about $1 million.[2]
Council will talk about it later.[2]

Posted by baddog54 on
Great idea. Streamline and consolidate public safety. It can be done and public safety can become cost effective.[1]

• Development and infrastructure department. Planning and zoning, building inspection, transportation, code enforcement, parks and recreation and community and economic development would all be under one department. [1]

• Finance. Budget, finance, accounts payable, risk management, purchasing, treasury will all be under the finance department. [1]

• Human resources will be a combination of labor relations, benefits administration and occupational health. [1]

• Constituent services will include the ombudsman, civil service and human relations. [1]
Councilman Delrico Loyd said he's happy to see any proposal that saves police and fire jobs.[1]
"We have to cut everything but the essentials," Loyd said.[1]

Posted by tdimhcs on [1]

THANKS FOR ALL THIS DON WILLIAMSON

It is a start, but where will it end? How about saving money by getting rid of the ombudsman's office.Again,they have NO power. Put the money into saving a police or firefighters position (or 2).Posted by tdimhcs on [1]

Vote to get rid of the Ombudsman's office. Will they show up when your house is broken into or on fire? Didn't think so.Posted by tdimhcs on [1]

Years ago, did the ombudsman's office have a say when a "lady of the night" was picked up (without her consent) and dropped off outside the city limits?????Posted by tdimhcs on [1]

Flint Interim Mayor Mike Brown's five-year plan to get the city out of a $14 million deficit got the thumbs up from City Council members.[2]

It's a plan that could even leave the city with $1 million surplus by 2015.[2]

"We didn't create this, but we are cleaning it up," Brown said.[2]

Residents have heard it before. On the eve of another election, some are skeptical about the next mayor being able to improve Flint.The field of six candidates will be whittled to two in a May 5 primary, then voters will choose the city's next mayor in the Aug. 4 general election."I don't see any of them being able to do much of anything," said Carriage Town resident Bill Griffin. "We're at a standstill."The two candidates who can stir people such as Griffin will grab enough voters in a crowded field to emerge from the primary.But residents are definitely in a "show me" mood.Many appear unhappy with recent turmoil at City Hall and don't express much hope that things will change for the better.[5]

Councilman Scott Kincaid said he likes what he sees so far.[1]

"This is a good plan," Kincaid said.[1]

[Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]
04/21/09 at 1:12AM
Good morning. Before anyone chastises my suggestion...strongly think of the potential savings short and long term.[Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

Our city is changing. The population is shrinking, tax revenues are down and will persist in declining, crime is still too high. Our schools are old, student #'s are down, budgets are out of whack. [Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

Simple solution with SIGNIFICANT political ramifications and high level admin types will need courage to make the tough choices. [Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

Solution: City/County Governmental consolidation...no holds barred but all departments systematically reviewed, scrutinized to the utmost. Think of the immediate savings in law enforcement coverage, efficiencies. [Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]
Less # of administrators between the city/county offices. Consolidations of city/county waste removal services, integration of the public safety vehicles, maintenance, administrative purchases, etc.[Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

Consolidation of human resources to name one...finance/budget...and the list goes on.[Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

There are other American cities larger than Flint which prssently have a city/county government in place and doing quite well. There are many efficiencies, savings to be obtained IMMEDIATELY if there are govt leaders willing to make the hard choices.[Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

A steering committee jointly approved by the County Commissioners, City Council and represented by people who have the knowledge, wisdom, desire and are objective in their choices would be a start. [Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

Since Mr Brown is NOT running for reelection, someone like him could fill one slot because of his knowledge of the city, county govt entities. Perhaps Governor Granholm could appoint another slot on this steering committee. Others would come from civic organizations, UM-Flint, Kettering, Mott Foundation,, businesses, the church, etc. The key to this committee would be objectivity since the infusion of politics across the board would hinder the committee's effectiveness. Again, we have a choice Flint, Genesee County to make a difference long term and this may be a viable option. Its just a thought. I have NO direct, indirect connection with any of the Flint or Genesee Co politicians though I have met several over the years. I say give it some thought.[Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

The children of Flint, Genesee Co deserve a future. They, like the adults, need the opportunity. Saving a million dollars here, there is nice..but "what if...?" What if we could streamline the WHOLE process, make our community a better place, have budgets in the black more often (than not)? What if. Give it some thought citizens. I'm willing to meet with anyone to explore ideas, suggestions, etc.[Posted by flintmiusa on [1]]

"I think the state will accept that plan, so over the next 3 or 4 years the deficit will be eliminated," said Councilman Scott Kincaid. [3]

BROWN MAY STAVE OFF THE STATE AND DELIVER A SMALLER CITY GOVERNMENT TO THE NEXT FLINT MAYOR? WHO DO YOU TRUST IN THESE HARD ECONOMIC TIME TO BE FLINT MAYOR? WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?

They are former city administrator Darryl Buchanan, Genesee County Commissioner Brenda Clack, businessman Greg Eason, political activist Eric Mays, Flint City Councilman Sheldon Neeley and former mayoral candidate Dayne Walling.[5]The race is a tossup, but Walling, as the only white candidate, will likely emerge as one of the top two candidates, said Paul Rozycki, a political science professor at Mott Community College.[5] Walling was narrowly defeated when he challenged Williamson for mayor in 2007.[5]

ITS TIME TO MEET THE CANDIDATES AND DECIDE WHO YOU WILL VOTE FOR!

4/30/09-The Genesee County Democratic Party is sponsoring a Mayorial candidate debate Thursday 4/30/09 6:30 pm at UAW Local 651 on Robert T Longway. This will be the last debate. Bring hard questions about the budget, fill out a question card as soon as you arrive.

4/28/09 -The Flint Area Public Affairs Debates presents a candidate forum on Tuesday, April 28th from 7-9 pm at the UM-Flint Kiva. The forum will be moderated by Chris Machniak of the Flint Journal.

4/21/09 -The Evergreen Estate and Evergreen Valley Block Club Association will host a mayoral forum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday , 4/21/09 tonite, at Scott Elementary School, 1602 S. Averill St.

Posted Here by Terry Bankert 4/21/09 You are invited to continue this discussion on my Face Book Page. http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry-Bankert/645845362

SOURCES
[1]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/04/new_flint_plan_would_save_10_p.html

[2]
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=6770997

[3]
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=289457

[4]
http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=288898

[5]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/04/flint_mayoral_hopefuls_face_to.html

[6]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/04/flint_so_far_avoids_pontiacs_t.html

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