Ft. Walton Beach City Council members have been considering a possible merger of sorts between the city's police force with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

The city has now drafted a proposal request to Sheriff Larry Ashley but some residents don't think the merger is a good idea.

Some employees with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department believe this consideration is more of a 'political takeover' rather than an agency consolidation.

In fact, quite a few concerned citizens feel that way and are campaigning against the merge proposal that would abolish the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and contract with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services

"If this goes through, I think there will be a political price to be paid on the city council. I don't know exactly what that is yet, but the people of this city are going to make their voice heard" said former city council member Bill Patterson.

Opponents are circulating a petition urging city council members to take the issue to a public vote.

"If the city council is in an elected position and they're going to listen to the people that elected them, then put it on the ballot" added Patterson.

The city is looking for ways to save taxpayers' money.

Some Ft. Walton Beach Police Department employees say they're worried about the effects of the consolidation.

"There will be some potential loss of service if they don't have the same amount of officers, therefore people are going to lose their jobs, and I am concerned" said Sgt. Michael Hogan of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Sheriff Larry Ashley is still working on his response to the city's proposal request.