Santa Barbara's Police Officers Associations says the department could lose 23 positions because of the current funding crisis.

Sgt. Mike McGrew, the Association President, says some officers are already doing "four jobs" and further cuts would be harmful.

Officers met Wednesday night to discuss the impacts and possible concessions they could make to work with city leaders.

The police department staff is about ten positions short of a City Council goal of 140 sworn officers. McGrew says when the city had 150 officers, they were more pro active in the fight against crime. He also says, when he brought the current dilemma up with several City Council members, they were not aware of the impacts to front line officers.

City Administrator Jim Armstrong says he does not want to see any layoffs, but overall Santa Barbara has a $9 million dollar debt that all departments have to help solve. He says salaries and benefits make up the bulk of the financial burden.

Councilman Dale Francisco, who campaigned on a public safety platform, says he wants to see if some cuts or concessions can be found in all departments, then he'll make his final recommendations. He insists public safety is still his number one concern.

Chief Cam Sanchez says no priority 911 calls will be delayed despite the budget issues.