Privatize.

Article reference: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/16/squeezed-in-scranton-family-battles-to-survive-after-mayor-slashes-city-workers/

While I feel awful for Bob Zoltewicz and the new struggles presented to his family, this is just another solid argument for privatization. If the Fire Department that he works for was privately owned either by citizens or by an overhead company, they would not be facing the pay cuts that the government has forced on them. When your employer relies on the government being solid and profitable to make a living and to pay good wages, this is the risk you take. This is what happens when the government has too much control. They have the power to drastically slash wages, raise taxes, lay people off etc…  The fire department, and the like in Scranton, should be sold into the private sector so that Mr. Zoltewicz can make the wages he deserves. 

UPDATE: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/16/budget-cuts-force-oregon-jail-to-release-prisoners/

Just another reason, and once again city officials think that increased taxes is the answer to budget problems. No it is not, removing government from the picture and reducing spending is the answer.