20 Layoffs Looming In Allen Park

ALLEN PARK (WWJ) - Big layoffs are looming in Allen Park. The City Council will vote on a budget, Friday evening, that calls for 20 pinks slips, half of them in the police department.

Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950, Allen Park City Administrator David Tamsen said the city has been hit hard by declining property values. But he admits the failed Unity Movie studio project has also played a role.

"There's no way of undoing what's already happened there, and the city really needs to put its best food forward and try to recoup from that as we can. I know there's still a lot of public that are upset about it, but this budget really has nothing to do with that," he said.

"The monies that were expended simply got the city to this point a little bit sooner," Tamsen said, adding that the layoffs are simply unavoidable.

"I don't think it's pleasant for anybody to look forward to being laid off, but I think some of our departments have realized that sooner or later we would get to this point. That doesn't make it any easier," he said.

There will be a public hearing before the vote Friday at 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers on Southfield Road.