During the Jan. 18 Altus City Council meeting, City Administrator Mike Nettles asked that purchase of a wheel loader for the Street Department be tabled due to a cash-flow problem for the City.

Council member Jack Smiley asked for a special meeting to discuss this financial challenge. That meeting will be held tonight.

At tonight's 6:30 p.m. Altus Municipal Authority and City Council special meetings, several methods will be explored to remedy a financial shortfall.

According to the agenda, the Mayor may approve a hiring freeze as an emergency measure.

The council may change the 2010-2011 budget, including changing the budgeted number of employee positions in the various departments.

The council may also enact a spending freeze except for emergency purchases. They may cut budget line items or set a percentage reduction for each department. Furloughs for all City employees may be considered. Layoffs, or abolition of positions may also be discussed. The council may consider the changing of the City employee work week to four 10-hour days, with Fridays off. They may also consider or discuss and vote on other appropriate action(s) to improve the financial condition of the City.