Austin City Council members are scraping the barrel for money-saving ideas.

The council preliminarily approved the creation of an auto extrication fee Monday night at a meeting. The fee could generate up to $4,000 of revenue for the city, according to council member Roger Boughton.

Boughton, who suggested the idea, said the savings may not be much, but every little bit counts.

“We need to look at all options,” council member Judy Enright said during Monday’s budget discussion. “We’re going to have to get really creative.”

Boughton said the Austin Fire Department does about 10 auto extrications each year, with an average of $400 per extrication. Many insurance companies pay for extrications, Boughton said.

Council members are scheduled to officially vote on the budget item at an Oct. 17 meeting.

The City Council also discussed raising the price of a parking ticket during snow emergencies, although they did not discuss specific rates. That discussion will likely continue at a future work session.