It took a marathon session Monday night, but the Lansing city council finally has a new council president.
The eight-member council is evenly divided into two factions. But after four hours of closed door talks, Councilman Brian Jeffries emerged as the next Lansing city council president. Councilwoman Kathie Dunbar agreed to drop her bid for the president's gavel, after receiving assurances that she will have support for council president next year.
After the council voted to confirm him as president, Jeffries admitted the process did take a toll.
“Tonight was something we had to work through. I think we did….we got to a place where everyone felt comfortable…and I think we can go from there," said Jeffries.
Jeffries admits work on the city budget may test the Lansing city council’s strained relations. Lansing may face a $12 to 15 million budget deficit next year.
