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Callers press Detroit officials on revenue-bond procedure, HUD reprimand and retiree annuity clawback
Summary
Callers during a public-comment session urged clearer revenue-bond notice procedures, said the city's HRD had been reprimanded by HUD, and asked the city to waive a 6.75% annuity "clawback" for retirees; claims were made as public comment and were not resolved at the meeting.
During a City Council committee session that moved directly into public comment because a quorum was not present, multiple callers raised finance-related concerns aimed at city procedures and retiree protections.
"Revenue bonds do require notice of intent to be put in the newspaper of general circulation, as well as a referendum," said Malik Shelton, who identified himself during his remarks and argued that refunding bonds require a council resolution authorizing the refund. Shelton also said the city's Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) "was issued a reprimand by HUD for incompetence, insufficient oversight, potential for fraud," and asked whether HRD had corrected those deficiencies since about 02/2021.
Willie Bem Davis, another caller, urged the city to do more for Detroit retirees and specifically asked officials to "waive the city ... retirees annuity clawback interest, which is 6.75," saying the rate makes repayment infeasible for many retirees.
Both Shelton's and Davis's comments were presented as assertions in public comment. The transcript records no official rebuttal or detailed staff response to the substance of those finance allegations; no formal action or vote occurred during the session.
The claims involve legal and procedural questions (whether notice and referendum are required for specific bond issuances) and an asserted HUD reprimand; verification would require checking bond ordinances, council resolutions and HUD records. Likewise, the stated 6.75% rate and its application to retiree annuities would require review of city pension or annuity documentation.
