The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan is cutting salaries of council members and reducing some programs in response to a budget shortfall.

The Tribal Government Reduction and Reorganization Act, passed in August, requires council members to take 10 to 20 percent salary cut. Eligibility requirements for some tribal programs are being tightened to save money.

The tribe has also taken other cost-saving measures "to control deficit spending and to safeguard assets for our present membership and future membership," the council said in a letter to members. The tribe operated with a $3.9 million deficit in the past year, according to the letter.

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GT Band authorizes 'extensive' budget cuts (The Traverse City Record-Eagle 9/25)