Charles Brecher of the New York Daily News gives reader five way New York City can cut cost without having to reduce its workforce.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s preliminary budget presents a “doomsday scenario” in which more than 18,000 city employees - including 7,019 teachers, 3,150 police officers and 1,050 firefighters - will have to be laid off due to state funding cuts.

But if five far more painless changes are made, those jobs can be saved and major hits to the quality of life can be spared - even if the state slashes its aid. These proposals would save nearly $2 billion annually without reducing city services.

To find out what these five changes are click here.