GALLOWAY TWP.- After laying off 21% of their police force and making cuts to other township employees to save $2 million dollars, Galloway Township council members Thursday night addressed the tough road ahead.

It was standing room only for the first Galloway Township City Council meeting since 14 police officers were laid off as part of the township's solution to balance a $2.2 million dollar budget deficit. "You can see here by tonight by how many are here, it's a family to them, you affect one, you affect them all," said Deputy Mayor, Don Purdy.

The 14 officers surrounded by loved ones and supporters have been on paid administrative leave since last Thursday after the township ordered the department to make significant cuts.

But Wednesday night, after six grueling hours, Mayor Keith Hartman said the township and the PBA Local 77 came up with a tentative agreement that if approved, would not only save the township $950 thousand dollars but get all 14 officers back on the street. "We appreciate everything you guys do on a day to day basis, putting yourself in harms way to protect the public and it's a very difficult thing for us to ask you to take concessions knowing what you do."

While city officials say their dire fiscal situation left them with no choice, residents voiced their opinions, saying public safety shouldn't be compromised. "You can't just because you have a problem with the deficit turn and take away protection of people that live in this community."

"I know you don't have a magic wand but to consider that peace is being threatened security is going to be threatened with lack of 14 police officers out on patrol in areas, it's a sad time, sad situation."

One woman felt it was more important to address the officers themselves, pleading for their amicable return. "Don't abandon us, please try to make some kind of negotiation…we need you people, we can't afford to not have you."

Police Chief Pat Moran assured residents that while negotiations are underway, public safety would not be compromised and spoke to the 14 officers no longer under his command. "I want to let the officers know, the ones that are out, you're a main concern, one of my main concerns every night and basically I can't wait to get you all back."

The township said they would release more information about the tentative agreement after the PBA votes on Sunday.

Galloway Township officials say Public Safety is not the only department affected as they work to balance the budget.

Beginning March 1st, they will be forced to shut down all municipal services because the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 210 and Teamsters Local 676 said they would not agree to any concessions.