HAMMOND | A 2008 contract seeking to change Hammond's crossing guards into independent contractors is under negotiation, some guards learned Wednesday at a meeting with police and city officials.

Police Chief Brian Miller told more than 50 crossing guards the contract was undergoing "major changes."

"If I get a call from the mayor and the council telling me they are going to make major changes, I believe them," Miller said to many guards who balked at the thought. "They will set everything straight."

Guards came armed with a list of questions. Chief among them was a question of who is responsible, the crossing guard or the city, in case of an accident involving a child.

Miller assured the guards they were not liable, nor are they responsible for replacement guards who cover when regular guards need time off.

In running further down the guards' lists of concerns, Miller noted the process for submitting invoices for hours worked remain unchanged, but there will no longer be direct deposits or taxes withheld.

The city will also share copies of applicable ordinances to educate crossing guards.

He referred the three guards who are eligible for retirement to the city comptroller's office.

Miller said officials are checking into the legalities involving guards who are currently receiving medical coverage.

"I am glad they are going to look everything over," said Diane Hansen. "All of us spoke up and all of us have some documentation to back up what we are saying, and I think that is why they have to look it over."

And another guard who has no insurance said nobody wants to work without workers' compensation.

"They have some valid concerns and the mayor has assured me they would be addressed," said City Attorney Kristina Kantar. "There are some limits on what can be done because the budget has been submitted downstate."

Miller said the contract proposal was submitted by members of the council and an insurance committee in an effort to reduce the cost of insurance and cut some budgets.

Under the contract, crossing guards would be paid $11.70 an hour as independent contractors.

The document also would eliminate all insurance coverage, workers' compensation, and would pay only for time worked. Holidays and school breaks are not included.