From ABC News 10: Measure H, the controversial bid in Stockton, Calif., to control fire department staffing and cut costs, passed by more than four percentage points in Tuesday's election. Measure H changes the city's charter so that contract disputes between the city and fire department will no longer be settled by an outside arbitrator.

The firefighter union Local 456 is under contract with the city of Stockton until June 2011. Stockton City Manager Bob Deis said the city won't see any changes within the fire department until July 1.

It also allows the city to hire a fire chief from outside the department. Currently, a Stockton fire chief must be hired from within.