Allen Park To Seek State Review Of Its Finances

ALLEN PARK (WWJ/AP) - Leaders in Allen Park plan to ask the state for a preliminary review of its finances, a step that could lead to the appointment of an emergency financial manager.

The City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday night to request the review. Mayor William Matakas and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Keenan voted against the measure. Matakas called the request "premature" and said they were elected to govern,  not "to throw our hands in the air."

The decision comes as the city struggles to erase a $1.6 million deficit. Falling property values and a failed movie studio development project are blamed in its problems.

Last year, state Treasurer Andy Dillon rejected a request by a resident to begin a financial review. The emergency manager law does not give individual residents standing to request a review.

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