FLINT He says he supports the budget, no veto, so the budget will go into place July
1.
"The ... adopted budget invests in public safety, essential services and
community development. The budget is balanced and consistent with the city's
deficit elimination plan," Walling said.
It is a balanced budget, but one that hinges on additional state money and a 15
percent concession agreement from public safety unions. That alone is something
Walling's administration has not been able to do throughout his time as mayor.
Still, he remains positive, awaits arbitration as well with the police unions,
knowing other action will have to be taken if both sides cannot come together on
concessions.
Walling says staffing levels for police and fire departments remain comparable
to this year, but again, that is based on those double digit concessions.
We spoke with public safety leaders yesterday about those expected concessions.
"We've lost two-thirds of our police department in the last three years, and to me
right there those are both huge concessions," said Brian Burdy of the Flint
Police Officers Assoc. Pres.
"I have a document here which he specifically states and asked for 10-12 percent
concessions and we've met that. It's out of my hands," said Raul Garcia,
president of the Flint Fire Union.
This budget also depends on an extra $1 million in state aid, shared incentive-based revenue city leaders believe they will receive after talking with the
state treasurer's officer about criteria that needs to be met.
There will be no public safety cuts based on those double-digit concessions and
12 police officers, funded though a more than $1 million C.S. Mott Foundation
grant are safe too.
"The C. S. Mott foundation started re-investing in our community policing
program and it's good news they've continued it again this year," Walling said.
The focus? Foot patrols, two community police officers in each of the city's
nine wards and mini-stations.
At Flint's eastside police mini, coordinator Helen Chazick says she didn't
really notice changes after that money was awarded last year.
"As for the foot patrol, I don't think that went over too big," she said.
"There's not enough officers."
"You always have to be positive, look to the future and hope for things to get
better instead of getting worse," Chazick said.
