HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Part one of a four special budget meetings for the City of Huntington began Saturday morning.

On the chopping block this week: revenue, contingencies, the Police Department, City Council, city clerk, human resources, and the legal department.

Of the city’s 2010-2011 fiscal year estimated budget, the grand total of expenditures is more than $39.5 million dollars. City leaders are trying to cut that, and the biggest part of it – the Police Department. The Police Department accounts for an estimated $10.7 million before the proposed cuts.

On February 13, Mayor Kim Wolfe proposed a controversial move to cut the police budget. He recommended cutting 8 civilian positions within the department, like secretaries, forcing officers to be pulled off the streets and put behind desks – and giving all officers a forced 20-day, unpaid furlough.

At the 2010 State of the City Address, Huntington Police Chief Skip Holbrook said taking officers off the street was a “swift kick in the gut,” and while he may not be happy with it, he supports the mayor’s decision.

The March 6 meeting will address: building maintenance, the engineering department, flood walls, inspection and compliance, motor poll, streets and sanitation and trash.

The March 13 meeting will address: the fire department, purchasing, finance, planning and development, buildings and inspections and the mayor.

Finally, the March 20 meeting will address: information technology, municipal court, the municipal parking board, the civic arena, enterprise fund and insurance.

The March 20 meeting is also scheduled to address any other necessary items and the final review.

The final budget must be set by the end of March.