Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero is proposing a four day work week for most city employees. It would result in a work week totaling 36 hours. The move would avoid the need to layoff workers as city leaders look for ways to close a $12 million dollar hole in next year's budget.

The mayor is expected to unveil his proposed budget before council Monday night.

"This is an austere, gimmick-free budget," Bernero said. "It reflects very real sacrifices, just like those being made by Lansing residents in these tough times."

The shortened work week isn't the only cost-saving measure the mayor is proposing. He's suggesting the consolidation of some city services into a single departments.