Detroit Reacts To Budget Cut Threats

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit citizens reacted on Tuesday to Mayor Dave Bing's threats that City Council cuts to his budget will result in layoffs to both police and fire departments.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Florence Walton reported that Council has to fend off a fearful citizenry.  Walton said if it's all about messaging, then City Council isn't getting its message across.

"Deception can become reality," said one Detroit citizen.  "Now is not the time to cut police, fire and EMS."

"I, too, am asking Council to restore the monies to the Detroit Police Department," said another citizen.

Council voted eight to one last week to override Bing's veto of Council's $50 million in additional cuts to his budget.  On Tuesday, Bing said $20 million in additional funds were found to help offset possible budget cuts.

Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown was adamant that Bing did not have to lay off police and fire personnel.

"We have to ask the officers to sacrifice and give back 10 percent of their salary: Only $8 million of a $334 million budget," said Brown.  "It is unfair to the other city employees that are sacrificing, shared sacrificing, to not ask the police and fire."

Council has upheld its $15 million in additional cuts to Bing's budget.   They insisted that more cuts were needed to fend off an emergency financial manager because Council said Bing's budget relies on unrealistic revenue.

Stay with WWJ and CBSDetroit.com for the latest on the Detroit budget battle.