From KTVU: Palo Alto, Calif., firefighters collected 6,000 signatures in a ballot initiative. The union says if Palo Alto wants to reduce fire department staffing below current levels, it should have to hold an election and let the voters decide.

The mayor is opposed to the initiative, saying such an initiative prevents the city council acting in the best interest of the city.

The city has until Aug. 2 to decide when the initiative will be put before the voters. Meanwhile, the city has commissioned a study to determine how may firefighters this city needs.