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Flint's budget plans struggling amid drinking water crisis

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Flint’s water crisis is affecting the city’s plans for next year’s budget.

The mayor outlined the city’s financial future to the city council last night.

Flint’s water and sewer fund continues to struggle and other city revenues are flat.

Flint mayor Karen Weaver says that’s why it’s important for city leaders to diligently pursue other sources of revenue.

“We’ve had enough cuts in city services. We don’t need any more cuts in city services,” Weaver told reporters after the special city council meeting.

City councilman Scott Kincaid says the proposed budget is down about $2 million from a few years ago. He also notes that the mayor’s office is looking to tap part of the city’s fund balance. 

Kincaid says it’s “too early” to take a position on the proposed budget. 

“Until we go department by department to see what the impact of this budget is going to be … and look at the detail, you really don’t know,” says Kincaid.

The mayor and city council have until June to craft a two-year budget plan.

Meanwhile, the city of Flint is still waiting to hear what help may come from the state and federal governments.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been proposed to help with the city’s drinking water crisis. But it’s unclear exactly when and how much of that money may be coming and what exactly it will do for the city.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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