Flint’s mayor is getting more “authority” at city hall.
A state oversight board today approved a resolution giving the mayor the ability to hire and fire city department directors. That’s more authority than Flint’s mayor’s has had since the 2011 state takeover.
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver was unable to attend Friday’s meeting. She hasn't been able to catch a flight from snowstorm-crippled Washington D.C.
Speaking over a phone during the meeting, Weaver thanked members of the Receivership Transition Advisory Board for supporting the resolution.
“I recognize we have a lot of work yet to do,” Weaver said. “I think this is a step forward.’
Governor Snyder supported the added powers for Weaver.
Not everyone is happy with the resolution, or more specifically who it leaves out.
City Council President Kerry Nelson says the nine-member body deserves to have some of its powers restored as well.
“All we’re saying to (the governor) is be fair,” says Nelson. “You gave her some power back, give us some, and that’s all I’m saying.”
Terry Stanton is with the state treasurer’s office. He says the city council will also have a say in some of Weaver’s appointments.
“Based on the charter, there will be city council approval to some of those positions depending on which ones they are,” says Stanton.
The oversight board still has authority over the city’s financial and budget decisions.
At this point, there is no specific timetable for a full return to local control in Flint.
