Hamtramck is a city in financial trouble, and the entire fire department could be on the chopping block.
Hamtramck residents weren't allowed into Friday's closed session council meeting. The mayor said there is a good reason for that.
"When we're discussing contract negotiations, that is never discussed in open meetings. That is a closed session," said Susan Dunn-Radar.
The City of Hamtramck is facing a nearly $3 million deficit. The situation is so bad that they're choosing between issuing paychecks and funding the pension, and city officials are demanding serious concessions from their 27 firefighters.
Friday, their union offered to give up raises, slash incentive pay and increase their out of pocket pension and healthcare costs, saving the city at least $500,000 a year.
"The amount did not add up to what we asked for," Dunn-Radar said. "I believe we asked for 1.2 [million dollars]."
Which leads some to believe the city might be leaning towards eliminating their fire department all together and outsourcing fire protection to the nearby struggling city of Highland Park, which has offered to do it for a little more than a million dollars.
"I'm not prepared to talk about anything tonight accept the negotiations that we went through today with the firemen's union," said Dunn-Radar.
"Is there a chance you may layoff the entire fire department?" I asked her.
"We're considering every option that we have and there any number of options, but nothing is off the table," she answered.
Firefighters are expected to meet with the city council next week.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Hamtramck Fire Department (Credit: Fox 2 News)
