HAMMOND | City Council President Dan Repay said Monday's inaction on next year's proposed budget was meant only to buy more time for some council members.

"I believe a budget will be passed. Absolutely," Repay said. "Will everyone like it? That's the question that remains to be seen."

With barely a nod toward the budget during its Finance Committee meeting or public caucus, the council later recessed its regular meeting until 4:30 p.m. today to consider the budget. The city must file a signed budget with the Lake County auditor's office by 4:30 p.m. Friday or be content with living within this year's budget.

Monday, council chambers were filled with residents awaiting a budget battle between the council and Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., whose budget eliminates the Hammond Health Department, impacts more than 80 jobs and proposes substantial raises for some department heads and employees.

While numerous supporters of the Health Department, including the wife of Health Officer-Administrator Dr. Rodrigo Panares, former Health Board member Tom Burns and Councilman Homero "Chico" Hinojosa, made their pitch to keep the department, the question was put off until the whole budget can be considered.

"Some council members were more prepared to go forward than others, but everyone decided if some were uncomfortable, we should wait and handle the budget all at one time," Repay said.

Repay said he has not been in contact with the mayor about any possible compromises to keep the budget process on track.

"During the debate, the mayor has the ability to get up and debate the issues," he said.

McDermott said he takes responsibility for getting the budget to the council later than usual, cutting into time to consider changes. The extra time went into working with department heads on the proposed job cuts.