Lack of quorum forces adjournment of Flint City Council budget hearing

FLINT, Mich. — As the deadline approaches for approval of the next fiscal year’s budget, members of the Flint City Council have just under two weeks to reach an agreement.

A special council meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 18, 2026 was adjourned less than 20 minutes later due to a lack of quorum. Flint City Council President Candice Mushatt, Judy Priestley and Jonathan Jarrett were the only members in attendance.

The meeting was intended to serve as a community hearing on the city’s proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 budget, as well as the forecasted fiscal year 2027–2028 budget. Following the hearing, council members were expected to consider a resolution to approve the city’s 2026–2027 operating budget. 

While she finds it disappointing, Mushatt said the lack of attendance “wasn’t shocking.” 

Mushatt said 2026 marks the third time she’s had to approve the city budget — and the third time she’s had to grapple with a lack of involvement from her fellow council members.

“I think myself and maybe one other colleague, possibly two, have demonstrated the fact that we are trying to do all things necessary to get a budget passed, and get it passed on time,” Mushatt said.

Mushatt said her job is to comply with the Flint City Charter, which requires the budget to be completed and approved by June 1. If a decision is not made by the deadline, Flint might be forced to lay off city employees, Mushatt said. 

The council is currently weighing its options in picking new dates to host the meeting and public hearing. City Clerk Davina Donahue said Thursday, May 28 might be the earliest date for the rescheduled meeting to take place.

“It is our job to work with the mayor to figure out a budget, and if you do not come to hearings, you cannot have the budget explained to you, and you cannot negotiate,” Mushatt said. “It is my stance that no one should vote for or against a budget when they did not attend enough budget hearings to get the correct information needed to decide if this is in fact a good budget, or if we should maybe be looking to negotiate some things with the mayor.”

Flint Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley submitted his budget to council on March 2. In the weeks that followed, the City Council hosted six public hearings to question department heads about proposed spending and staffing plans.

Copies of the proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 budget and the forecasted fiscal year 2027–2028 budget are available on the city’s website or at the City Clerk’s Office.