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Steve Myers
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As the battle over the budget intensifies, with no compromise in sight, the fight could land both sides back in court.
The budget adopted by the city council this week is at the center of this latest fight.
During a press conference this morning, city officials said the budget reflects the spirit of a council that wants to punish the mayor and his administration at any cost.
The budget adopted by the Flint City Council Monday is referred to as a line item budget. In every day terms, this means the council sets the budgets for the city departments and their expenditures.
Whenever more money needs to be allocated for something, the mayor will have to go to the council to get the change approved.
The council says the line item budget is not illegal, and they did it to prevent the mayor from moving unbudgeted money, as they claim he has done in the past.
In the 2005-2006 budget adopted by council, city officials say it has forced the layoffs of 23 people, including all 10 of the Mayor's appointees, most of the block grant department, and several people in the city's legal department.
City Attorney Trachelle Young says, the budget represents a strong council form of government, a violation of the charter.
"We voted on a strong mayor form of government and I think their actions are in direct conflict of our form of government and we may be forced to go court. We do not want to go to court, we shouldn't have to go to court, but if they persist and continue we will have no choice but to go to court.," Young said.
Mayor Don Williamson didn't attend today's press conference. His staff says he is out of town.
It is expected that when he returns, he will veto the budget that council adopted.
Council members say they have enough votes to override a mayoral veto.
If the override happens, that's when we could see them all back in court
Full Story and Video:
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/news/060905_NW_r2_flint_budget.html |
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Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:34 pm |
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