Pontiac emergency manager fires department heads

PONTIAC (AP) -- A state-appointed emergency financial manager for the cash-strapped city of Pontiac has fired the city's clerk, attorney and director of public works in what he called realignment in City Hall. Lou Schimmel fired the department heads effective Friday, The Oakland Press of Pontiac reported. The changes are part of what Schimmel, who was appointed to the post in September by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, said is an effort to put together his own team. "I'm putting in place ... people that I have confidence in and that work with me and helping me implement what I'm doing," Schimmel said. Schimmel's financial and operating plan released last week also includes property tax increases. He said the firings weren't motivated by monetary reasons. A plan also is in the works to make the city's fire department part of the Waterford Township Fire Department. Under the plan, the clerk's office is being merged with human resources. Vital records will be transferred to Oakland County and the Oakland County Clerk's Office will provide technical assistance in election administration. The number of voting districts in Pontiac also will be reduced. The law department in Pontiac, about 20 miles northwest of Detroit, is being outsourced to Troy-based Giarmarco, Mullins and Horton. An employee with United Water, which is contracted to manage the city's wastewater treatment facilities, will run the public works department. The employee will work at City Hall and efforts will be made to subcontract as many public works activities as possible, according to the plan. The property tax increases are designed to cover more than $4 million in pension liabilities and a $1 million tax appeal won by General Motors Co. Schimmel was appointed to fill the post held for 14 months by Michael Stampfler. This summer, the Pontiac Police Department closed, making way for the Oakland County sheriff to take over law enforcement under a cost-cutting proposal made by Stampfler. Published: Wed, Nov 2, 2011