Hamtramck approves new police contract, votes to start EM process if deal is not ratified

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (WXYZ) - Councilwoman Cathy Gordon says her city remains on the brink of financial collapse and the police officer's union will have a huge impact on what happens next.

Monday night council held a special meeting and approved what they say is a tentative agreement between city officials and the police union.

But the head of the union tells Action News what was approved isn't the deal they agreed to, and he doesn't know how his membership will respond.

Also on the agenda Monday evening, whether to ask the state to begin a financial review -- the first step in the eventual appointment of an Emergency Manager. Council members voted to only initiate that process only if police vote down the tentative agreement.

Hamtramck's financial crisis has been going on for months. At the beginning of the year the city's former manager warned of payless paydays. Councilwoman Gordan says that's still very possible -- that the city is still facing a deficit for this year and next.

The police union has seven days to approve or vote down the tentative agreement.