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 16 2013 9:04 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:04:18 GMT
13 people were shot in Detroit in just 24 hours, five from one block, including a woman who was just hours away from a kidney transplant. She did not survive.
13 people were shot in Detroit in just 24 hours, five from one block, including a woman who was just hours away from a kidney transplant. She did not survive.
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:23 PM EDT2013-05-17 00:23:43 GMT
54-year-old Almeter Walls was set to have a transplant surgery on Thursday, but instead she is dead. We're told she was shot when a neighborhood argument ended in gunfire. The shooting also left four others wounded.
54-year-old Almeter Walls was set to have a transplant surgery on Thursday, but instead she is dead. We're told she was shot when a neighborhood argument ended in gunfire. The shooting also left four others wounded.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:01 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:01:40 GMT
Recess at Academy of the Americas in southwest Detroit is 20 minutes out of the day where all kids have to do is play, and that time is more valuable than you think.
Recess at Academy of the Americas in southwest Detroit is 20 minutes out of the day where all kids have to do is play, and that time is more valuable than you think.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:27 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:27:25 GMT
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING has been issued for Livingston County until 7:30 p.m. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for all of Southeast Michigan except Lenawee and Monroe counties remain in effect until 8:00 p.m.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING has been issued for Livingston County until 7:30 p.m. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for all of Southeast Michigan except Lenawee and Monroe counties remain in effect until 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:26:50 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:42:57 GMT
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:24:48 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
Hamtramck Fire Department (Credit: Fox 2 News)
