Rhodes retiring now that major bankruptcy work is completed

DETROIT (AP) — The judge who delayed his retirement to oversee Detroit’s historic bankruptcy is stepping down.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court asked a federal appeals court last week to name another judge to take the case. Detroit emerged from bankruptcy in December but there still will be some issues ahead.

Judge Steven Rhodes’ last day is today. His last major decision was the approval of $178 million charged by lawyers and other professionals. Detroit must pay the bills.

In November, Rhodes approved Detroit’s plan to get out of bankruptcy.

Another crucial decision occurred in December 2013 when he said pensions could be cut. That led to an $816 million rescue by the state and philanthropists to soften pension cuts and prevent the sale of art to pay off creditors.