Detroit Council OKs Key Contract Required By State

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit City Council has approved a $300,000 contract and other measures required under the city's financial reform program with the state.

The Miller Canfield law firm contract was approved 5-4 Tuesday.

Mayor Dave Bing and the state warned that without the contract and other measures the city wouldn't get millions of dollars in much-needed funds.   The mayor had warned that unpaid furlough days were on the way for city workers if council failed to approve the Miller Canfield contract.

Bing on Tuesday thanked council for the approval after they'd rejected it in a meeting last month.

Detroit is deep in debt and has a budget deficit of more than $200 million. A consent agreement between Detroit and the state last year allowed the city to avoid the appointment of an emergency manager, but some say the city is moving too slowly.

Detroit's Financial Advisory Board on Monday endorsed state Treasurer Andy Dillon's move to begin a 30-day review that could lead to a state takeover.

Dozens of Detroiters spoke out against the Miller Canfield contract and other issues on the table in Tuesday's session. (MORE:  Detroit Police Attempt To Remove Woman Lying On City Council Floor).