Everyone is tired of paying taxes and not seeing anything for it. They may vote for an additional 1//4% tax, but see no results.
They see an out going of money, then the fire department still closes. The problem is all the flipping corruption. I have a love hate relationship with Unions.
They serve a purpose, a need, but they are just as corrupt as the government.

I think they should it sink, whatever "it" is. Our schools kept begging for money. They need this and that....and then everyone got raises and no repiars were made.
Then they wanted to build a new school. Funding didnt pass so they built it anyway. Then wanted everyone to pay for the school. Now there is an old empty school building. sitting......I think they should have let the school sink. flip'em.

People don't want to vote for funding, ok. sell guns.

Here is an idea, let the police department share in the revenues from tickets. Equipment, manpower, etc. Fire departments should receive some funding from the
income generated by charges paid by insurance companies for such services.

Quit hiring managers and hire people to do the damm work!!