Detroit City Council talks budget Tuesday

First full session since holiday break

DETROIT – The Detroit City Council is still in action working to tackle a financial crisis and prevent the city from being taken over by an emergency manager.

The council met Tuesday for budget talks. It was the first full session since the holiday break and Mayor Dave Bing's recent financial plan announcement.  Bing introduced the plan last week, but there are doubts from council members.  Mayor Bing's plan calls for 1,000 layoffs, overdue payments from Detroit Public Schools and a corporate tax increase.

"I'm still onthe opinion that I don't want to hold my breath waiting for that money. But, I also don't think we should pretend that that debt does not exist," said City Councilmember Kenneth Cockrel Jr.

The budget talks come alongside a state review of the city's finances.  A review team will recommend whether the city should be under an emergency manager.  That recommendation will go on to Governor Snyder.