Benton Harbor's Emergency Financial Manager has suspended the decision-making powers of city officials, and Joseph Harris may be the first to do so under the new state legislation.

Back in March, Governor Rick Snyder approved a new law that grants more powers to EFMs like Harris.

Harris restricted the power of city officials on Friday, limiting them to just calling meetings to order, adjourning them and approving minutes.

That new law also allows financial managers to disband city commissions, but Harris has said in the past that he would not dissolve the commission.

This move means Commissioners can now only call meetings to order, adjourn them and approve minutes.

"That's why Joe Harris is here," said City Commissioner Bryan Joseph. "To make the decisions that need to be made. This commission has no power, no authority."

Last month, Harris introduced a two-year plan that would make cutbacks and new investments to get the city ready for the 2012 Senior PGA tour.

You can read more about that plan by clicking here.

A Monday Commission meeting is scheduled in Benton Harbor and Joseph said there were no even items on the agenda.