MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie may decide to accept federal stimulus money to put laid-off police officers back on the street after initially turning the money down.

Mayor Sharon McShurley rejected the three-year $1.2 million grant to cover officers' pay and benefits in July because the city had no way to pay those costs in the fourth year.

But Police Chief Deborah Davis suggested a surcharge on traffic offenses to raise funds to cover the estimated $360,000 fourth-year cost.

McShurley said the charge would enable the return of rookie officers who were laid off last summer because of budget constraints.

If the city council approves the measure in December, it would become effective immediately. Davis hopes to bring back the laid-off rookies by January.