DENVER -- This year, the federal government earmarked $50 million for both the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention.

Both conventions are considered national special security events with Secret Service considered the lead federal agency.

On Monday, DNC planners requested $20 million in spending authority. City Council member-at-large Doug Linkhart said the initial request concerned him, but a meeting with planners Wednesday morning helped alleviate some of those concerns.

"In the end will we end up spending some taxpayer money? Possibly. We're not supposed to (spend taxpayer money) and we're going to try not to," said Linkhart.

Some of the items authorized for purchase include fire trucks and armored vehicles. Linkart said those items are things the city will retain long after the convention.

The money will also go toward purchasing insurance for local police because surrounding jurisdictions voiced concern over lending officers to work the event without insurance.

Katherine Archuleta said she $50 million should be enough to cover the costs of security at the event. She said it's more money than Boston received in 2004 and Denver has the approval for the money now because they asked for it in 2007.

"The appropriation for Boston was in the same year of the convention. They did not receive their money until after, the year after," said Archuleta.

A separate $50 million is also needed to actually put on the event. That money comes from the host committee who is halfway to its goal. Archuleta said the host committee would be a lot further if a Democratic candidate was decided.

Neither the security fund nor host committee are supposed to take money from the city, and for that matter, the taxpayers, Archuleta said.

Linkhart is optimistic that won't be the case.