The city of Ithaca is at odds with its police department over the number of officers.

The Ithaca Police Benevolent Association is recommending that the city brings its police staff up to 85 officers, from its current 69. If not that, then the union at least recommends bringing it up to full staff at 74.

Mayor Svante Myrick says the city has seen a sharp decline in crime, so he does not feel that's necessary.

"We went through our budget process through the last year, and we decided that the level of officers that we have right now, we feel comfortable with," Myrick said.

"We certainly want to work out a fair contract for both parties," said Ithaca PBA President Eric Doane. "We have no interest in financially harming the city and we want to get a fair deal for our members."

The PBA president says some of the positions would be for specialty officers, not just for road patrol.