MERRILLVILLE | Town leaders estimate the municipal deficit this year at about $320,000, though calculating an exact figure has been difficult, Town Council President Joseph Shudick said.
Shudick said the cost of fluctuating health insurance claims each month has made coming up with a final figure difficult. The town is self-insured and pays health insurance claims for town employees.
The Merrillville Budget and Finance Committee is scheduled to meet prior to Tuesday's Town Council meeting, but it remains unclear how the council will close the deficit.
Shudick and other councilmen believe it will involve pushing some expenses into next year.
While Councilman Richard Hardaway agrees moving expenses into next year may help, he said he wants to be careful about how much financial obligation the town moves into 2010 to avoid more difficulties next year.
Councilmen also have considered furlough days, rescinding employee raises and rescinding longevity pay as other options to meet operating expenses this year.
