They were at it again for more than three hours. This afternoon Alachua County commissioners talked about ways to deal with the county's Department of Public Safety's money problems.

At issue - a possible fire assessment fee and commissioners again received an earful from residents.

Even though commissioners did not make a final vote on giving the go ahead for the fee, they did discuss three options - one of which would increase the millage rate to it's highest level possible under state law. That option would require a unanimous decision by commissioners. The millage rate would be set at 1.51 mills and there would be no reduction in services.

Another option is a super majority and a 4 to 1 vote is needed. The new millage rate would 1.3391. There would be over $800,000 in reductions to Public Safety for 2011.

There is a third scenario - a combination of a change in the millage rate and implementing a fire fee. That would include the super majority but it would reduce the millage to 1.020. Even after discussing these options, commissioners couldn't see eye to eye.

The last public hearing on the fire fee is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th at 5pm.

For a complete look at Tuesday's agenda, click here.