ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- The City of Rockford prepares for a budget battle as Mayor Tom McNamara says the community faces a $10.2 million deficit. This deficit is impacting some our first responders.

"The fire stations are lived in 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is the people's homes," said Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten.

Nine Rockford Fire Stations are in need of major repairs.

"Our goal is that they focus on responding to the emergencies, not having to worry about leaking roofs, or windows, or other things that should be taken care of," said Chief Bergsten.

This deficit impacts our first responders who are in need of new equipment. Older fire stations are also in need of $10 million worth of repairs. The oldest stations one, eight, and ten need the bulk of the work like updates to restrooms, kitchens, and living quarters.

"I think right now the number one challenge facing in our city as many people believe is public safety," says Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.

The Mayor explains the police and fire departments make up 76% of the city's general fund budget, but he does not support cuts to public safety to pay for those repairs.

"My number one priority in our administration is to make sure that we provide a safe community for residents and businesses," said Mayor McNamara.

The Mayor doesn't want to raise property taxes in order to fix the deficit either. He said that puts a burden on people who own property and believes we need a different way to get revenue.

"I support strongly the idea of moving Rockford back to the home rule status so we can diversify our funding revenue. If we get home rule, that will open up a whole variety of areas that we can get revenue and decrease property taxes," said Mayor McNamara.

Over the next 5 years, the City of Rockford faces a cumulative deficit of $78 million.

The Mayor says the budget deficit comes in large part from our increase in pension application, as well as the lack of state funding. He's working to get home rule on the ballot, and then it will be a council and community decision of where we raise that revenue.