Watch CBS News

Bing: "I Will Veto Council's Budget A.S.A.P."

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Detroit City Council has passed a budget that trims $50 million from the Mayor's proposal, including cuts to public safety. The proposed budget, sent back to Mayor Dave Bing Tuesday afternoon, cuts an additional 2.5 percent from Detroit's police and fire departments.

Bing is not on board with the changes, and was quick reply, telling reporters, "I will veto Council's budget A.S.A.P."

Speaking to WWJ at City Hall, Bing says if they can't hammer out a budget deal, an Emergency Financial Manager might have to be brought in to do the job.

"....we need to get to the table, we need to compromise, we need to stop playing politics," says Bing.

"Council's proposed budget, which makes $50 million dollars in impractical cuts, particularly the cuts to public safety that will take more than 200 officers off the streets," Bing's states.

Following the vote, City Council President Charles Pugh insisted that these cuts will not mean fewer officers on the streets.

"There may be some that try to suggest that our small cuts will lead to police officers and firefighters being laid off, but this is just not true," said Pugh.

"These cuts are intended to encourage both departments to reduce vacancies and use their people more efficiently... and moving officers from behind desks and allowing them to patrol our neighborhoods," he said.

Council members said they will be willing to make adjustments to the budget throughout the fiscal year if Mayor Bing's revenue projections become a reality.

The new, leaner budget, also includes a 25 percent cut to funding for the city's cultural institutions.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.