NIAGARA FALLS, NY - Niagara Falls leaders have decided to keep seven economic development jobs - paid for by casino revenue - that just isn't there.

Mayor Paul Dyster says the money will come out of the general fund rather than by casino cash.

Niagara Falls is owed an estimated $55 million in casino revenue, caught up in a dispute between the Seneca Nation and the state.

"There're going to be some difficult situations we'll face later on this year if this is not resolved," said Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster. "I don't in anyway want to downplay the seriousness of the situation. But I don't want these people to think that their jobs are on the chopping block, cause they're not."

Dyster says public safety is one area that could be affected by lack of casino revenue in the near future.

Because of the fiscal crisis, last week the city council imposed a freeze on hiring and discretionary spending.