Distressed City Faces Levy

Michigan’s state-appointed emergency financial manager for the city of Ecorse plans to levy a special assessment against property to raise new money to support police and fire services.

The new revenue will help the city offset a $4 million deficit, Joyce Parker, the city’s EFM, told the Detroit Free Press.

Parker has implemented a number of cuts and said she hopes to consolidate services with nearby municipalities to save money. Among the services to be consolidated would be public works, water, and sewer services. She also hopes to consolidate public safety services.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm declared Ecorse to be in a state of fiscal emergency in September 2009. Under state law, an EFM can levy a special assessment unless 10% of property owners oppose it in a petition. So far, no petition has been filed, according to local reports.

Ecorse is one of six cities that Michigan has declared to be in a state of financial emergency. The others are Hamtramck, Highland Park, Flint, Three Oaks and Pontiac.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM BOND BUYER