Martins Ferry officials have come up with some truly creative, “out of the box” ideas for keeping the city’s budget in balance. They are to be commended highly for that, because it appears their efforts will avoid at least some major reductions in service to city residents. Still, as officials are well aware, keeping the budget in balance will require a no-excuses attitude toward spending. For a time it appeared that Martins Ferry City Council might have no option but to eliminate the emergency dispatching department. Though the county’s 911 system is capable of handling Martins Ferry, it was pointed out that using local dispatchers could mean getting help to those who need it more quickly. Members of council’s finance committee have devised a set of recommendations they believe will keep the budget balanced — while retaining the emergency dispatchers. The full council may be able to act on the recommendations this week. As often is the case with financially strapped local government entities, a variety of spending cuts will be used in Martins Ferry. For example, $10,000 will be cut from the street department’s materials and supplies budget. But a major saving, of $65,000, is to be realized in the street department’s budget for wages. Safety/Service Director John Davies is recommending a type of flexibility that too often is missing in management of municipalities, both small and larg.