GROTON, Conn. (AP) City councilors in Groton are discussing whether the city should secede from the town of Groton to become financially independent, after the town cut its budget requests.

The Day of New London reports the city had asked for $1.92 million for road maintenance in the next fiscal year, but the town council cut $830,000. Town councilors also cut the city police budget request by $74,500.

City councilors have proposed a resolution exploring ways for the city to become financially independent from the town, including secession. The city is a political subdivision of the town of Groton.

City officials say they want to get advice from a consultant about how to obtain that independence.

City Mayor Marian Galbraith says the city would seek arbitration to settle the budget disputes.