There could be a controversial solution to a big money problem in one of Mid-Michigan's biggest cities.

Without a new deal, dozens of Saginaw police officers could be left without a job.

As TV5 has previously reported, because of looming budget cuts and an ongoing budget deficit, the city is trying to cut a deal with the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department to keep more boots on the street.

But if that doesn't work out, there is another idea on the table.

Right now the Saginaw Police Department has 73 sworn officers reporting for duty each and every day.

The city is projecting a $3.2 million shortfall for the coming year and in an effort to save money, city leaders are looking to cut the police department down to 55 officers by July 1.

But Friday morning the police department is saying if cuts have to be made, they're prepared.

Acting Saginaw Police Chief Brian Lipe told TV5 that he has a plan in place to get the most out of what would be the remaining police force.

Lipe said that the city is looking at federal grant money to keep officers on the streets as well as utilizing heavy Michigan State Police presence to make up the difference.

The acting chief also told TV5 that he is waiting for word from City Hall as to whether the police department will come under the jurisdiction of the sheriff's department.

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