detroit free press

Bing Releases Recommendations for Fixing Detroit

ecommendations on consolidating and running city government more efficiently could save Detroit upward of $75 millions this fiscal year.

Mayor Dave Bing on Wednesday released a 145-page report from his hand-picked crisis turnaround team of business and civic leaders.

More than 150 recommendations were made and include outsourcing management and payroll in some city departments, closing a power plant and renegotiating vendor contracts.

The reports says the city needs a financial recovery strategy with a target of up to $300 million in ongoing annual revenue increases and cost savings. Bing has said the city faces a $300 million budget deficit.

The plan includes short-, medium- and long-term recommendations.

Detroit Newspapers

Unique visitors at The Detroit News were up 32% over the prior year to 1 million,In the letter, published as a full-page ad in the Detroit News and Free Press today, Iacocca said he would be happy to assist Chrysler's retirees as an advisor "in any capacity."

Iacocca, who has stressed his Italian heritage repeatedly throughout his career, headed up Chrysler from 1979 to 1992. He made headlines this spring for being poised to lose some of the perks of executive retirement, including a company car for life, after the Chrysler bankruptcy. The advertisement thanks Marchionne for the decision to carry over most of the pension benefits of Chrysler to the new Fiat-owned company.