The union that represents Los Angeles police officers today released a set of recommendations that it says could save the city millions of dollars at a time when officers' contracts are being renegotiated.

The current agreement between the city and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents the LAPD's rank and file, will expire June 30. Though talks are under way, it is unlikely that a new contract will be in place by that time.

The 16 ideas released by the Los Angeles Police Protective League include: - combining the administrative staffs of the city's three pension funds; - having city employees work four days a week for 10 day hours a day, which would allow municipal buildings to close one day a week; - outsourcing debt collection; and - streamlining workers' compensation costs.

The city is already implementing some of those ideas, including a tax amnesty program and consolidating departments, notably the Commission for Children, Youth and Their Families; he Commission on the Status of Women, and the Human Relations Commission.

"The city, in establishing its budget, must consider that without safe and stable living conditions as a foundation, it cannot attract new residents and businesses," said Los Angeles Police Protective League President Paul M. Weber.

"Reliable government services are the base from which businesses and individuals build a viable and prosperous society. Investing in public safety is a necessary component to emerging out of the current economic crisis, and must remain the priority of city leaders."

The Los Angeles City Council Monday approved a $7.1 billion budget that maintains the current size of the Los Angeles Police Department but eliminates the funding needed to increase it.

The cost-saving ideas, which the league says could be implemented at any point in the fiscal year, come at a time when the city is negotiating a new contract for police officers.

It is unlikely that a new contract will be in place when the current agreement expires on June 30 because the city is seeking a 10 percent pay reduction from officers, according to an e-mail the LAPPL Board of Directors sent to police officers earlier this month.

"This extreme demand is unprecedented in the history of the league," according to the e-mail.

A representative for the mayor's office was not immediately available to comment on negotiations with the league.