Austin city departments Wednesday will begin presenting budget plans to the city council for next year, and officials say residents can expect to see some big cutbacks.

City officials say Austin is facing a budget and sales tax shortfall. It has asked departments to tighten up next year's budget.

According to the latest city budget report, which was released in April, the city is trying to generate savings now so that there is no big shortfall next year.

One of the first departments expected to present its revised plan is the Austin Police Department. Chief Art Acevedo was to go before council members during the budget workshop.

Currently, the department has a budget around $180 million. That money is split up between 2,000 uniformed officers, civilian personnel and other items.

"It's our job and our responsibility as council to say where we hold the line where we believe the best investment of tax payer dollars should go and there are so many other issues in this town that are important," said Mike Martinez, Austin council member.

Cutting back ay APD is expected to be one of the bigger battles for the city, but city officials say it won't affect response time during an emergency.

"Bottom line is the safety of Austinites is paramount and number one. You call 9-1-1, you're going to get a cop. That's not going to change," said Lt. Catherine Haggerty, Austin Police Association.

According to the city's budget report, the new fiscal year begins in October. City officials hope to have all of its new budget plans in place by that time.