A federal judge promised Monday she will hear from all Flint residents with something to say about a proposed $600-million-plus payment to partially settle claims arising from the 2014 lead poisoning of the city's drinking water supply — even if it requires a court hearing that stretches over several days.
U.S. District Judge Judith Levy said after a two-hour hearing that she hopes to issue a written opinion by mid-January on whether to give preliminary approval to the proposed settlement.
The proposed settlement with the state of Michigan, McLaren hospitals and Rowe Professional Services Co. grew to $641.25 million early Tuesday when the Flint City Council voted to join the settlement during a lengthy meeting, using $20 million in city insurance funds, after earlier twice postponing a decision.