MichiganRadio

Flint Announces Police, Firefighter Layoffs ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - Flint's mayor has announced major cutbacks in the city's police and fire departments.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling says the city will lay off 57 police officers. According to the Flint Police Officer's Association, that will leave the city with fewer than 100 officers for a population of around 113,000. That is less than one officer for every thousand people.

The U.S. average is three officers for every thousand people

The mayor says 23 firefighters will also get pink slips. The Firefighters Union says that will leave just 65 firefighters for the city.

The announcement came after months of contract negotiations with the unions. Walling says the layoff notices will go out tomorrow and take effect in two weeks. Flint is facing an $8 million budget shortfall.
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