CROWN POINT | Gary police will continue working regular full-time shifts without a 20 percent pay cut, at least until Sept. 19, attorneys for the city and local Fraternal Order of Police agreed Friday.

Lake Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Tavitas scheduled a Sept. 19 hearing to review the city's objection to a temporary restraining order that halts Gary's plan to cut 20 percent of officers' pay by moving them to 32-hour work weeks.

Tavitas agreed Friday to accept the case from Lake Circuit Judge Lorenzo Arredondo via a speakerphone conversation in open court. City attorneys requested the change of venue.

Don Levinson, attorney for the city, said Friday the extension of the temporary restraining order against the city will cost Gary about $150,000.

The city faces multiple legal battles in its quest to close a looming $12.8 million budget deficit.

"As you know, everyone is suing the city," Levinson said Friday.

The Police Department's shift to 32 hours would save about $800,000, City Controller Selita Green said.

Gary backed off a proposal to also shift its officers from eight- to 12-hour shifts, Levinson said.

He argued the pay cut is essential to the city's survival.

"What happens Oct. 1 (if the cuts aren't made)," Levinson asked Green.

"We run out of funds to pay the Police Department," she said.

At the city's request, Arredondo ordered the Fraternal Order of Police union to post a $10,000 surety bond that Gary could potentially take if it wins the case. Levinson had requested $150,000.