MERRILLVILLE | If the town restructures the parks department, it could involve cutting the agency's staff to one employee, town officials said.

Town leaders are hunting for ways to reduce what Merrillville will spend in 2010, and councilmen floated the possibility of eliminating some park staff and changing programming at a recent workshop.

"Let's make some painful decisions this winter," Town Council President Joseph Shudick said.

The parks department staff consists of the parks director, recreation supervisor and a maintenance employee who works full time part of the year for grass-cutting in town parks and part time the rest of the year.

The town will examine whether hiring a lawn service to cut grass would be cheaper.

Councilman Shawn Pettit said the department may need to shrink to one employee to save funds, but the move could be temporary.

"For the time being, it may be bare bones," Pettit said.

Shudick said he would like to see the department offer a few larger events during the year that would benefit a large group of people instead of offering several smaller events.

Council members said they want the parks department to update its master plan, which expires in a few months, Councilman Lance Huish said.

Without the master plan, the department won't be able to receive government grants. Previous grants have been used to improve Pruzin Park and help with stormwater management.