Judge strikes down part of Detroit financial deal

LANSING (AP) -- A judge has struck down two sections of an agreement between the state and Detroit to fix the city's finances that were used to cut pay to police officers and firefighters. Ingham County Circuit Judge Paula Manderfield on Wednesday ruled that the parts of the consent agreement grant powers reserved for emergency financial managers to Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and other officials. The decision could hamper Bing's efforts to impose wage cuts to save money. The city is reviewing the ruling. An appeal is planned by the state. Treasury Department spokesman Terry Stanton says the state disagrees with Manderfield's decision. Details of the ruling were reported by the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. A 10 percent police and fire pay cut was ordered earlier this year. Published: Fri, Sep 14, 2012