The City of Ecorse, Michigan is located directly south of the City of Detroit and is comprised of approximately 2.98 square miles. With the exception of the rubbish and garbage contract, attorney and outside auditor, substantially all of the other services were provided by full or part-time Ecorse employees. Ecorse's 14,447 residents (based upon 1980 census; 1990 census - 12,180 residents) were provided the following services prior to the receivership:
Legislative – City Council costs, including the Mayor.
Judicial – 26th District Court involving: parking and traffic violations, minor criminal offenses, and certain civil matters.
General government – accounting, purchasing, payroll preparation, water and sewer billing, attorney, audit, treasury, clerk, street lighting, municipal facility costs, assessor, and elections.
Public safety – police and fire protection (including pension contribution to Police and Fire Pension Plan), crossing guards for students at local schools, and civil defense.
Public works – rubbish and garbage disposal; maintenance of roads, streets, signs, parks and vehicles; weed cutting; water meter reading; tree trimming; and engineering.
Health clinic – provided medical services to low-income residents.
Recreational – recreational programs, ice arena, two senior citizen center, community center, boat ramp, and library.
Debt service – payment of principal, interest and other costs related to outstanding debt.