ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- The city of Rockford continues to battle a major multi-million dollar deficit. The Solution: The council is considering spending money to save money.

For some.. "Outsourcing" is a scary word but Rockford Aldermen say it's actually a calming solution to the city's 5.4 million dollar deficit.

Tonight the council got it's first look at an outsourcing vendor's contract. Employees with Madison based Baker Tilly Virchow Krause may soon come to Rockford to determine what departments need to be taken over by private contractors.

The project would work in phases.. with the first section costing the city around $15,000 dollars. Winnebago County will pay about $5,000 of that considering they will also benefit from the plan..Right now aldermen are looking at outsourcing everything from ambulance services to street sweeping.

The outsourcing firm's entire contract is not expected to exceed $95,000 dollars.