ANDERSON, Ind. - It hasn't even been officially presented, yet Anderson's proposed budget is already causing controversy.

City leaders said they've worked for months, but haven't found a way to match the city's revenue with expenses without layoffs. Officials said the city has a basic problem with a complicated solution.

Several departments are set to experience a reduction in funding and staffing.

Of the proposed staffing cuts, 20 are firefighter positions and seven are police officer positions.

The Fraternal Order of Police said they plan to picket the job cuts at the next city council meeting.

 "The needs for officer safety and public safety will be jeopardized if we lay off seven officers," Anderson’s FOP president Scott Calhoun said in a statement.

Deputy Mayor Pete Heuer said there does not appear to be any other option.

"Unfortunately we're here at the case of a drastic cut instead of a cut over time, so as far as is there another alternative out there, we're open to the idea," Heuer said. "But we have sought advice from several experts on how to bridge the gap, and we do not see a way to do it at this time. Unfortunately it's going to affect those people."

City officials are set to present the budget at 7 p.m. at Thursday’s city council meeting.

There will be a number of meetings that include opportunities to hear from the public before the budget is passed.