Tuesday’s memorial service for Michael Jackson cost the financially-strapped city of Los Angeles $1.4 million.

The amount included $1.1 million in overtime pay for the 4,173 police officers who worked to secure Staples Center, Forest Lawn cemetery and other areas that attracted more than 17,000 fans and members of the media, the Police Department said in a statement.

The remaining amount was spent on traffic control, cleanup and other memorial service costs.

Despite the high cost, Matt Szabo — a spokesman for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — told the Associated Press the amount was “far less” than the initial estimate of $4 million.

Still, city attorney Carmen Trutanich said his office was investigating how the city can legally press third parties to pick up at least some of the tab. A report will be delivered to City Council by Friday. City Council will then create a policy declaring who should pay for city services associated with such events.

Los Angeles is $530 million in debt.

A PayPal donation site has been set up for public donations. So far, $17,000 has been donated as of Thursday afternoon.

Source, Bauer-Griffin

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