SAGINAW -- Police officers and firefighters in Saginaw are asking voters to approve a public safety millage.     

They say it could mean the difference between layoffs or being able to continue to protect the public efficiently. 

NBC25 learns more about their door to door campaign.

Dozens of people got up bright and early Saturday to pass out fliers and signs to residents in Saginaw with a strong voting record.

 Volunteers passed out brochures and yard signs, spreading the word about a public safety tax vote that police say will define the future of both their department and the fire departments. 

On the ballot August 3, is a renewal of two public safety propositions that would last for five years. 

Without a yes vote to both propositions, the City of Saginaw may be forced to lay off about a third of its police officers and firefighters. 

"And they would have to shut down stations, so they would have to go from one side of the city to the other, and response times would definitely increase," said Aileen Pettinger, a Saginaw Firefighter.

“You have to have protection from both police and fire; you won't attract new citizens or businesses," said Ruben Vasquez II, a Saginaw Police Officer. 

The police department says since 2006 violent crime in Saginaw has been reduced. 

They credit this to the public safety vote that was approved four years ago. 

If the propositions are approved again, an average homeowner will pay about $375 dollars more in annual taxes. 

This is the second weekend in a row volunteers went door to door campaigning for the millage.