ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- The Orange County Sheriff's Union is fighting a plan to save gas money. The sheriff's office ordered deputies to stop driving squad cars for personal use.

Rising gas prices are burning a hole in the Orange County Sheriff's Office budget. To save money, employees are no longer allowed to use company cars after hours.

"This responsibility because of a fuel crisis should not be put on the backs of deputies," said John Park of the Police Benevolent Association.

The Police Benevolent Association filed a grievance on Monday. While it agrees chaplains and other civilian employees should not take home patrol cars, the union says certain units should have full use of their vehicles.

It also wants to downsize SUVs and gas guzzlers, encourage car-pools and cut down on un-necessary trips to court.

"These are common sense changes that save money, save time," added Michael Walzak, a government watchdog.

Walzak said he sides with the deputies. He thinks more patrol cars on the streets are worth the extra gas money.

"Areas that used to be safe are now no longer safe for families. We need more police presence, period," Walzak stated.

The sheriff's office and the union will be meeting Thursday to discuss the issue.