There’s a last minute effort to save at least part of the Rochester Police Department’s mounted patrol unit. City Council President Lovely Warren, and Councilmembers Adam McFadden and Carolee Conklin have submitted legislation that would amend the city’s proposed 2013-2014 budget.

The legislation creates a smaller patrol unit consisting of four officers and five horses. Council will vote on next year’s budget on Tuesday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The mounted patrol unit was cut out of next year’s budget due to the city’s financial challenges. But Council received numerous calls and emails from residents asking that unit be restored in the budget, according to a written statement.

The horses are popular, especially with children, and many cities use them as a community relations tool. The horses also give officers some movement advantages that they wouldn’t have in a car or on foot.