the other politicians. reporter: the chief said the problem isn t political, just simple math. revenue is down 32 million for the fire protection district and without a special parcel tax he said they could have to lay off firefighters and close a third of its fire stations. what do you say to the taxpayer who say that seems like a scare tactic? it s not. it s reality. we have seen this coming for years. reporter: chris hunt with the taxpayer s association opposes idea of a parcel tax saying there is money to be saved from salaries to pension costs and use of resources. 3.3% of their calls are for fires. this is no longer a firefighting agency, the most expensive way of delivering emergency health caron the planet reporter: the chief said they have tightened their belt and this is a last resort. we recognize that everybody is facing financial challenges as well. we think we have done our part to try to cut costs and control costs. reporter: now if it goes th