Alachua County leaders say because of budget cuts, it's either a "Fire Assessment Fee," or shut down fire stations. However, some residents feel the fee is just another way to raise already- high taxes; and one property owner, isn't afraid to say it.

Nidal Boughannam, a real estate investor, has been living in Alachua Couty since 1996, and says the proposed, "Fire Assessment Fee" is just a creative way to raise taxes. He's handing out fliers to get people to express their opinion.

"I don't want to pay a dime more in taxes particularly here in Alachua county," said Boughannam on Friday.

However commissioners say, they're scraping from a pot that's low on funds.

"Property taxes fund almost all local government services, schools, city and county," said Randy Reid, county manager, "so when that's limited by state action, that means that we get squeezed on how we can pay for vital services."

Next Tuesday at 5:00PM, county commissioners will hear public opinion before a final vote on the fire assessment fee.