Detroit considers city government overhaul

DETROIT, March 8 (UPI) -- Detroit, faced with a deepening financial crisis and shrinking tax base, is considering a complete overhaul of the way the city is run, officials said.

A government structure previously funded from a tax base of 2 million residents is too expensive for a shrinking population, now down to around 800,000, the Detroit Free Press reported Monday. Consolidation or elimination of some city departments will be needed to keep the city from going bankrupt, Mayor Dave Bing said.

"We can't afford to continue business as usual," Bing said. "That means looking at our operating costs, staffing costs and evaluating our service delivery … to realize efficiencies without compromising effectiveness."

The city could save $2 million annually by consolidating its health and human services departments, closing the deteriorating Herman Keith public health facility and closing down branch Neighborhood City Halls, officials said.

Residents say the loss of the Herman Keith complex would deprive them of needed medical resources.

"This building really helps people," said Jasimine Pettway, who uses the free clinic for medical needs. "Why can't they refurbish it, rebuild it? Everyone knows about Herman Kiefer."

The city plans a marketing campaign to inform residents of changes, a city spokeswoman said.

"People have to understand what the rationale for change is and how it will affect them," Sue Carnell said. "You can't just shut the door."