Downsized convention equals downsized Milwaukee bill to federal government

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As the Democratic National Convention downsized, Milwaukee also cut back its DNC spending. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said the federal government actually told the city to revise its budget twice.

The city pared back its spending from $50 million down to somewhere between $20-25 million and is hopeful the federal government will pick up 100 percent of the tab.

Barrett said the federal government initially awarded Milwaukee a grant for $50 million, but as the convention changed and downsized, the feds called and told the city to revise its budget.

Barrett said they did so, twice in fact, first when the delegates were told not to come, and again when out of town speakers like Joe Biden were no longer coming.

Most of the savings come from security. For example Barrett said the city didn't have to charter a plan load of Florida Highway Patrol officers.

"We remain very very optimistic, that the $50 million grant that was appropriated which is n own in the neighborhood of $20-25 million, that that money will cover all of our security costs," said Barrett.

The money is not guarantee, the city will have to back up its expenses which documentation and the federal government will have to approve those expenses before reimbursing the city.