Mayor Bing To Discuss Detroit's Finances On WWJ

UPDATE: Bing Says Detroit Is Making Progress In Fixing Budget

DETROIT (WWJ) - For the first time since the state began its review of Detroit's finances, Mayor Dave Bing will be speaking at length with WWJ about his city's money situation.

WWJ's Vickie Thomas reports the three-day look at the city's books wrapped up yesterday and now the State Treasurers Office has 30 days to complete the preliminary review of the city's finances. The review is the first step in a possible consent agreement or the appointment of an emergency manager.

Earlier this week, State Treasurer Andy Dillon said he expects they'll have the review completed earlier than the deadline. He also said he thinks Detroit is "fixable."

"You do see the City Council and the mayor and labor all coming together, so they know that they've got about 45 days to come up with a plan that keeps us from taking the next step of a formal review," Dillon told WWJ.

Warren Mayor Jim Fouts believes Detroit can steer its way clear of a possible financial meltdown.

"They have to make some tough, unpolitical decisions, and that's hard for elected officials to do. They have to make some unpopular decisions but if they work together, I'm convinced that Governor Snyder does not want to have an emergency manager take over the city. And I don't see that happening. I think the Council and the mayor working together can solve that problem," Fouts said.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence is hoping Bing can reach a deal with the unions.

"I need Mayor Bing to get us out of this mess. I need the City Council, and you know, when you talk to them individually, they don't want to fail," Lawrence said.

Bing says he and city unions are making progress on a possible deal.