Although the Eureka City Council members agreed on setting a $2 million operating reserve for the budget, there was contention on putting a limit on public safety cuts.

The council voted Tuesday night to set a $2 million reserve 3-2, with council members Linda Atkins and Larry Glass dissenting.

On a previous motion, Atkins asked to add instructions to put a cap on public safety cuts as well, but the motion was voted down by council members Frank Jager and Mike Jones and Mayor Virginia Bass. Council member Jeff Leonard was not present.

The city is about $1 million shy of its expected savings for the 2009-2010 budget, due to several city departments overspending and a revenue dip caused by the ailing economy.

Staff's recommendations Tuesday night included folding the Community Development Department under the Public Works Department, leaving some positions vacant in various departments, and more early retirement packages and furloughs throughout the year.

The cuts, with the inclusion of the $2.6 million Halverson loan repayment, would bring the city to a positive balance of $1.5 million.

Finance Advisory Committee Chair David Ogden said both fire and police chiefs told him they could cut 3 percent of their total budget, equaling about $450,000. The cuts would mostly include not filling vacant positions.

Atkins said public safety departments have already been cut to the bone, and those 3 percent cuts should be the limit for the rest of the

”I realized that they are a big part of the budget, and it's tempting to go there and take out a huge chunk of money,” she said.

Glass echoed her concerns, adding that the 3 percent was more than enough.

”That was them practically selling off their firstborn,” he said.

Councilman Frank Jager said he is also concerned about cutting public safety, but thought the council needed to look at the bigger picture before making any decisions.

”Everything should be on the table,” he said. “Everything.”

The council also discussed collecting further public input on the housing element by continuing the public hearing to a special meeting on Feb. 9. Councilwoman Atkins mentioned that the medical marijuana dispensary ordinance draft come before the council on Feb. 16.

During closed session, the council directed staff to write a letter protesting Eureka City Schools' decision to “abruptly” turn down the city's offer for the Jefferson School site in favor of an offer made by College of Redwoods. Council members said the decision was not beneficial to the neighborhood.

Donna Tam can be reached at 441-0532 or dtam@times-standard.com.