The fire unions have objected to both proposals, suggesting that they would compromise public safety.

Critics from the fire union questioned how the city could have spent so much - $15 million - on radios that they said did not work right.

But plans to reduce fire service have traditionally met with loud outcries from the public and the fire unions.

But until now, it has never run a fire department in the Northeast, where fire unions are powerful and opposition is strong.

Mr. Cassidy, of the main fire union, did not return a phone call yesterday.

How do you think that he got the police and the fire unions?

The fire union distributed its $111 million with estimated administrative costs of less than $30,000.

Because union negotiations usually follow a pattern, arbitrators would probably look to the fire union's deal as a model in ruling on a police contract.

The fire union disagrees with closing firehouses, which the mayor says is necessary because of the city's budget crisis.

He added that while Republicans controlled the council in 2004 and 2005, the city was unable to settle contracts with its police and fire unions.