The city of Inverness is getting its own fire department. 

For several years Inverness has paid Citrus County Fire Rescue for fire and emergency services, but now they are going out on their own.

Last week the city council voted to continue to use county fire services but during a Monday night meeting, they reversed that decision. City Manager Frank DiGiovanni says it all comes down to money. He says creating a fire station is cheaper than paying for fire services.

"You are going to see us over the next several months taking strong steps," DiGiovanni said.

The new department will be a mix of paid and volunteer firefighters and the plan is to set up shop in the city's old fire department building downtown. Cheryl Kaylor is a business owner. She says some people have mixed feelings, but she likes the plan.

"Why not?," Kaylor said. "Give it a shot anyway."

Linda Morgan is an Inverness resident and she feels the same way. She says as long as somebody shows up when she needs help, she's OK with it.

"If I have an emergency and call 911, I hope it won't take someone a longtime to get out there," Morgan said.

The goal right now is to have the new fire station up and running by October. The plan is to have three or four paid firefighters and about 12 volunteers.