St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster wants to exempt churches and charities from the fire fee he proposed.

Bay News 9's partner newspaper, The Tampa Bay Times, says he doesn't want those organizations to pay the fee to help close the city's $10 million budget shortfall.

The fee has stirred some controversy.

Critics say the cost mostly affects the poor and helps wealthy homeowners and businesses save on property taxes.

Others propose higher property taxes and tapping into the city reserves.

The fee would delay more cuts in jobs.

The proposed fee calls for property owners to pay a flat $75 and 23 cents per $1000 of a lot's appraised structural value.

So far, the city has faced 300 lost jobs, reduced pool and library hours and cuts in park maintenance.

The council voted to support the fee on July 12 and will finalize a balanced budget on Oct. 1.