February 4, 2010

Today I voted “no” on professional services contracts with Randy K. Lane, Wolinski & Company and Plante & Moran because these contracts did not provide for a ten percent (10%) reduction in hourly rates.  These businesses should know more than anyone else that the City of Detroit is in a serious and precarious financial condition, and that we must make cuts in expenses at every level possible.   I am pleased to hear that these contractors have made great strides in improving processes and producing accurate financial records on a timelier basis.    I have heard many positive comments about their professionalism and contribution to our City.   It is my expectation that every contractor and employee working for the City is performing services to the highest level of competence during these challenging times, while making the sacrifice to perform with a reduction in compensation.