Palo Alto firefighters gather signatures for measure

Palo Alto is dealing with a budget deficit and firefighters want voters to have the final say on one money saving idea.

The firefighters' union has gathered enough signatures to put a measure on the November ballot that would let voters decide if the city should close or relocate fire stations.

The city is facing a $7 million deficit and the fire department accounts for 18 percent of the total general fund operating budget.

The average union employee makes $178,000 in pay and benefits.