Wyandotte Firefighters Picket Outside City Hall

About 10 marched outside Monday, urging .

If the millage is not put before voters, city officials said, there would be layoffs in several city departments, including police and fire.

Four council members have already signed off on putting a three-year, 3-mill ballot question before voters. However, the measure needs the support of at least five council members to legally be placed on the ballot.

Council members James DeSana and Sheri Sutherby-Fricke previously voted against the matter and would have to change their vote in order for residents to be able to have the ultimate decision at the ballot box.

“We’re here so that citizens have the right to vote and so that democracy can prevail,” fire Sgt. Tom Lyon said as other firefighters marched behind him. “We think the citizens should be afforded the right to decide for themselves.”

Firefighter Rich Malinowski has been on the department for 3 1/2 years and is one of the firefighters set to be laid off if the millage isn’t put on the ballot.

“Two council members shouldn’t be making the decision for 25,000 citizens,” he said.

DeSana said he had no comment on the protest.

"Anything I have to say will be at the council meeting," he said.

A voicemail left for Sutherby-Fricke was not returned before this story was published.

The firefighters have pledged to return to City Hall to picket before the 7 p.m. council meeting.