Detroit mayor unveils budget, says casino dollars to be used to improve services

Thursday, April 13, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

But despite the new tax dollars, Archer estimated that the budget surplus for the current fiscal year would only be $1.

"What I'm trying to present is a situation where we financially balance our budget and do not get into any fiscal trouble," Archer said in delivering his 2000-01 fiscal year budget address to the City Council on Wednesday. "We barely had a surplus this year."

The city had a $1.6 million surplus for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, Archer said.

Archer warned that several factors, including the uncertain future of the unopened Greektown Casino, the census count possibly showing a decline in city population, the state removal of the city residency requirement for many employees, and limits in state funds, could cut into the city's bottom line.

The mayor proposed $2 million in renovations for police precincts, $2 million for fire stations and $7.1 million for recreation facilities, including the Belle Isle Zoo and aquarium and Eastern Market.

The proposed budget also calls for $5.3 million to be spent on the Detroit Institute of Arts building.

The council must vote on the mayor's budget recommendations, The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press reported.