The Miami-Dade County Commission in Florida wants to save money by combining the fire departments of the five cities that make up the county, a move that is being contested vehemently by the leaders in those cities. According to the Miami Herald, the leaders of Miami Beach, Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah and Key Biscayne plan to fight the proposed vote in court. The County Commission believes it will save money in the number of administrators, curb future construction plans and eliminate overlapping fire stations.

"This is such an outrageous power money grab by the county that all good people are incensed," Coral Gables city attorney Liz Hernandez told the paper. "None of the cities impacted are going to take this lying down."

An 11-page county analysis finds that a single department would save approximately $13.5 million per year than the current combination. The county also argues better service would result from the combined departments sharing one radio frequency, but estimates put the cost of coming online at $80 million. The analysis also finds that residents would receive an additional $10.5 million each year in improved services, as well as $34 million over five years by eliminating construction and maintenance costs.