Gov. John Engler said that there is a serious discussion as to whether the city of Highland Park can continue to operate as a separate government because of its devastating financial problems.

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Hear From Highland Park Financial Officer Residents Watching City Shut Down What Should Be Done With City?

Highland Park is $7 million in debt. If the city is dissolved, it could revert to a township or more likely be absorbed into Detroit, Local 4 reported. This would reportedly be the first time in state history that a city would be wiped off the map of Michigan.

Highland Park city workers were laid off indefinitely March 14, including every police officer, Local 4 learned. The mayor has said that he would like the National Guard to come in and help keep the city safe. Only basic services like garbage pickup and water treatment plant operation will continue in the city, Local 4 reported.

The Police Department was shut down in December because of budget cuts. Wayne County sheriff's deputies patrolled the streets from mid-December until the department was reopened Feb. 27.

An agreement between the city and police union had brought 44 officers back to work.