City of Flint seeks to collect $799K through debt amnesty program

FLINT, Mich. — Flint is seeking to collect over $799,000 in unpaid fire cleanup and blight fees, offering property owners a two-week amnesty program in September 2025 to settle debts at a discount.

About $499,000 of that total comes from unpaid structure fire cleanup costs through December 2024, while roughly $300,000 stems from blight violations.

From Sept. 8–14, property owners can settle their balances by paying 50 percent of what they owe. From Sept. 15–21, the discount will decrease to 25 percent off, allowing property owners to resolve debts by paying 75 percent.

City officials estimate that more than half of the outstanding structure fire balances are tied to individual residents rather than commercial properties.

The amnesty applies to blight fines, abatement costs and structure fire fees. Payments can be made in person at City Hall’s South Building or the Clio Road Community Service Center, which is open on Wednesdays. Online payments are also accepted at cityofflint.com with a service fee for debit or credit cards.

For more information, residents can contact the Office of Blight Elimination at 810-237-2090, email flintblight@cityofflint.com, or call the Flint Fire Bureau at 810-762-7336, option 0.