Flint City Council majority supports $20 million insurance payment for residents

FLINT, Michigan—Flint City Council today supported a $20 million settlement to benefit Flint residents and children impacted by the Flint water crisis.

Mayor Sheldon Neeley thanked City Council members for their thorough consideration of the issue, which will allow the City to contribute $20 million for residents at no taxpayer expense. The vote also had the support of the city’s largest unions – AFSCME Local 1600, AFSCME Local 1799 and the Flint Police Officers Association – and many leading religious leaders in the Flint community. 

“No amount of money will ever repair the damage done by the Flint water crisis, but this $20 million from our insurance company is an important step forward and will directly positively benefit the adults, children and businesses impacted,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. 

Mayor Neeley has repeatedly called this the most important vote the current City Council will face. He praised the majority of council members who were willing to do the research and make the tough decisions necessary to be community leaders.

The insurance payment to residents passed with a vote of 6 yes, 2 abstentions, and 1 no. Recommended by both plaintiffs’ and defense attorneys, the measure passed with supported from Council members Maurice Davis (2nd Ward), Santino Guerra (3rd Ward), Kate Fields (4th Ward), Herbert Winfrey (6th Ward) Allan Griggs (8th Ward), and Eva Worthing (9th Ward). 

Mayor Neeley also warned residents to continue to be cautious and make sure they get reliable information regarding the settlement. “Beware of profiteers looking to pick your pockets,” Mayor Neeley said. 

The detailed settlement agreement was submitted to Judge Judith Levy of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Judge Levy will review the agreement as part of a motion for preliminary approval, and later issue a ruling on whether the settlement meets certain legal standards.

If preliminary approval is granted, then the claim registration process can begin, allowing Flint residents the opportunity to indicate their intention to file a claim. For more information on this process and details of the settlement agreement, go to FlintSettlementFacts.org.

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