INDIANAPOLIS -- The Capital Improvement Board outlined its first round of cuts on Monday, a week after the city revealed that Lucas Oil Stadium was operating $20 million in the red.

Already, a hiring and salary freeze and a ban on all travel has trimmed $5.8 million from the budget, board officials told 6News' Rick Hightower.

In addition, 15 full-time positions currently open won't be filled, and some temporary employees won't be utilized.

"We will reduce overtime and, through any attrition, we will not replace any of our electricians, pipe fitters carpenters or painters," said board member Barney Levengood.

The board also outlined plans to turn down the heat and turn off the lights inside the stadium when not in use, as well as cut the budget for supplies.

With an overall deficit estimated at $25 million and projected to grow to $45 million in upcoming years, nearly $6 million may be a small start, but board members said it's just the beginning of a long process.

"We want to send the message that we're serious about starting to make these cuts," said board president Bob Grand. "We have to make these cuts and continue to negotiate our way out of other things, but for right now we've got to start making cuts."

The board's goal is to cut 8 percent from its budget, and that could include cutting grant funding to organizations, such as Indiana Black Expo.

"I don't think we're going to have drastic come in and just eliminate programs, like Black Expo," Grand said. "Whether or not they can work with us, maybe over some payment terms, we're going to put those on the table."

Grand said that the board would not ask taxpayers for money, but that members are committed to working with lawmakers and considering fees and taxes for those who use the stadium.

The construction of the building was funded by taxpayers in Marion and surrounding counties with a food and beverage tax.

The Indiana Pacers are also seeking a better deal at Conseco Fieldhouse. Owners said they have no desire to exercise a termination clause in the lease or leave Indianapolis, but they have made it clear that the financial results they are currently generating can't continue.

"They don't like the financial situation they're in, but they understand the taxpayers don't want to foot the bill for these types of things either," said Pat Early, vice president of the CIB.

The Colts and Pacers could decide to cut their budgets by trimming advertising and promotions costs.