New LPD jobs cut to make budget

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Two new positions in the police department were trimmed in the latest Lafayette city budget.

Mayor Tony Roswarski told Common Council members Monday evening that health insurance costs next year are 17 percent higher than last year, an increase of $700,000. City officials were counting on 12 percent.

Roswarski said cutting the proposed new positions is the only way to make a balanced budget, while keeping a 2 percent raise for all employees and not touching the "Rainy Day" fund.

He says the police positions, while not funded, are identified. So if revenue is higher than expected, they may be funded later on.

"But I think this fiscally conservative approach is the way to go until we're absolutely sure where we are at," Roswarski said. "Then if we have funds that we think are appropriate to use, we'll make those decisions later on."

The current budget means the police force will be at the same level as it is currently.

The Common Council passed second reading of several budget ordinances during Monday's special meeting.

Click HERE to see a copy of the budget.