Okeechobee city leaders are taking a close look at contracting fire protection with Okeechobee County to replace the city fire department as a way to save money.
“It’s a tough decision to make we're in the exploratory stage,: says Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford.
The city is currently waiting on a proposal from Okeechobee County on what it would cost to have county firefighters take over.
The mayor says the current city fire budget is approximately $1.3 million a year.
“There’s more than just money involved, and you have to look at those other factors of course in this case you’re looking at response time,” Watford says.
“I’m very concerned I’m a 14-year firefighter and I could be out of a career,” says Okeechobee firefighter Steve Weeks.