Flint received national coverage after a city council meeting on Monday was disrupted. According to The Detroit News, a physical scuffle occurred between Flint police and attendees. A video posted by Councilwoman Tonya Burns showed people arguing with officers and moving toward the council dais. No punches or weapons were seen in the footage.
A protest over the Flint Police Department contributed to disruptions at a recent Flint City Council meeting. The meeting was interrupted during the city attorney’s explanation of a resolution needed to apply for funding from Michigan’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. If the funding is not secured, the city may have to use local funds for infrastructure improvement projects. The council’s agenda included the adoption of a related planning document. In a statement, the Flint Police Department said, “The Flint Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of everyone attending public meetings,” and noted that security measures may be reviewed, as reported by Michigan Public.
Flint City Council did not pass a budget on Monday, putting the city in violation of its charter. City Administrator Clyde Edwards stated, “By not passing a budget by the June 2 deadline, Council stands in clear violation of the City Charter,” as mentioned by Mid Michigan Now. Councilwoman Burns raised concerns about the city’s shift from a surplus to a deficit. A seat on the council remains vacant following the death of Councilman Quincy Murphy last fall. A recent "unauthorized protest" downtown, where police issued citations and towed vehicles, added to tensions during the council meeting, as per The Detroit News.
