EAST CHICAGO | Some of the city's highest-paid consultants will be bringing home a little bit less money this year.

The Board of Public Works and Safety on Wednesday approved reducing by 10 percent the contract rates paid to four top consulting firms for financial, training, grant-writing and computer work.

City Controller Charles Pacurar said the action should save between $40,000 and $75,000 this year when compared to payments in 2008.

Merrillville-based J.M. Bennett & Associates will be paid $10,000 per month under the new contract, based on a rate of $120 per hour.

Company principal James Bennett has provided financial and managerial reports - including budget and budget reduction advice - for the city since 2005.

CLD Consulting of Schererville's new contract calls for a rate of $100 per hour, not to exceed $100,000, for the year.

President Catherine Delgado administers the city's Jobs, Education & Training program, and also writes grant proposals for foundation, corporate and government funding opportunities.

The city's primary grant writer, Beverly Shores-based Cypra & Associates, will be paid $60,000 per year on a rate of $100 per hour, under its new contract.

President Janet Cypra assists nearly every city department, as well as the Port Authority, with grant development, program management, and financial reporting.

Former state Rep. John Aguilera's firm, Tan Consulting, of East Chicago, will be paid $100 per hour - up to 15 hours per week - to continue work on the city's computer system.

Aguilera, who retired from ArcelorMittal Steel Co.'s information technology department in 2005, helps with the implementation of computerized federal and state reporting programs.