Louis H. Schimmel, Warren’s new executive administrator, is urging the mayor to cut 23 police officer positions in addition to negotiating reduced benefits packages. This comes as a response to being faced with a projected budget shortfall of $6 million next year.

Schimmel has pointed out that benefit costs for police in Warren Michigan are “exorbitant,” quoting figures which show expenses up to their base salary.

The layoffs would save approximately $2 million, and is part of a larger plan to ultimately reduce the police budget by $4.4 million for the next fiscal year, said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer.

“It’s something that I certainly understand, given the economy,” said Dwyer. “But on the other hand, I’m concerned about public safety.”

Warren is the third largest city in Michigan, and Detroit’s largest suburb.