Bing Continues Budget Talks With Unions, Pension Boards
DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is hopeful everyone will be on board to help put the city's budget on even keep as meetings continue this week with unions and pensions.
Bing told WWJ Newsradio 950 it has been an eye-opener to all when they show the severity of the city's financial situation.
"I think everybody looks at it, somewhat in shock or disbelief, but we gave them information going all the way back to 1950 when the drain of the population started," Bing said.
Bing will be meeting with pension board officials to see if they can get a break on payments to help balance the city's budget.
"We just need to be competitive. I mean, I can't spend money that I don't have. That's what got us in the deficit plan that we're in and we can't continue to do that. So, hopefully we'll work together," Bing said.
Bing also working on the state level to allow extension of income and utility taxes, along with a proposed one year increase on casino taxes to put more money into the city's coffers.
