MT. VERNON — As Mt. Vernon officials continue to deliberate how to deal with an nearly half million dollar state-required pension contribution for the coming year, one topic talked about at the last Mt. Vernon City Council meeting was laying off emergency personnel.

Mt. Vernon Police Chief Trent Page says even with other circumstances coming for the department, they cannot afford any budget cuts.

Page says many of his officers already can be tied up with minimal incidents.

The city’s property tax levy is set to be acted upon at Monday’s city council meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Rolland Lewis Building at Veteran’s Park.