The Austin City Council reviewed pending issues and options to balance the $92,450 budget deficit Tuesday.

One of the main concerns of the council, however, was the hiring of a police officer, scheduled for April 2003 with total cost including benefits of $37,169 for nine months.

Council members decided whether to either hire the officer or use the money for other expenses.

Several members agreed that it was important to hire the new officer.

"We need the officer. Our community is growing with certain problems; I think it is the No. 1 priority on the list," First Ward Council member Mickey Jorgenson said.

Wayne Goodnature, Second Ward council member, acknowledged the significance of the police officer, but said the only way to make the balance would be to reduce the size of the government.

"By adding personnel we will only exasperate the current situation … we need more information on what needs to be done before we start adding personnel," Goodnature said.

One of the suggestions for the council was to consider the liaison officer at Ellis Middle School. The city uses the liaison officer during the three months school is not in session. The council then could wait until it would be necessary to hire the new officer.

Council members tabled the issue and will still include the officer on the budget once April comes around.

The $100,000 for the East Side parking lot was also reviewed and decided to be covered with fund balance money.

The Storm Water Management fee, is currently under review by Public Works personnel to determine the fee for each businesses.

No Storm Water management fee was set.

The Watershed Coordinator position will be kept for next year once a management fee is approved.

A request by the Austin Community Band to increase its funding from $2,400 to $3,000 was denied. The council also decided not to grant a $7,013 request from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and wait for the new state government and for legislation to go in session before deciding to grant the amount. The contingency line was reduced from $125,000 to $100,000.

The council also reviewed the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, which was set by Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz and the council in January 2001.

After nearly three hours, in a tentative solution, the council decided to reduce $25,000 out of the Park and Recreation $75,000 request, reduced the contingency by $25,000 and another $25,000 from the City County Radio Project, adding to $75,000 and leaving $17,450 unbalanced. "We will approach the committees and see what can be cut to come up with the $17,450 needed," said city finance director Tom Dankert.

The council will receive the next official prediction for the status on the state budget on Dec. 3 when it will hold a Truth and Taxation meeting telling citizens what the levy will be and where the money will go.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com