The meeting lasted well pass midnight, that is how strongly people feel on both sides of a fire fee for the city of Gainesville.
Fire rescue knew a City Commission vote in favor of the plan would not be popular with everyone, but they say it is needed badly.
Nearly all of the homeowners who spoke at last night's meeting echoed the same sentiment, they support firefighters but don't want to bare the burden of the city's budget deficit.
Despite their pleas, Gainesville's City Commission voted 5-2 last night to implement 50 percent of the fire assessment fee.
The move should generate five million dollars in revenue and cost homeowners a fourth of what they were quoted on their mail notices a few weeks ago.
Gainesville Fire Rescue Interim Chief Gene Prince says because of the Commission's decision, his department will still have to make cuts but they won't have to cut firefighter positions.
Prince said since the early 90's the department has not added a single firefighter position, they haven't build a new fire station since 1980.