(WSB Radio)  The state insurance commissioner wants Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to reconsider her cuts regarding firefighters and it's not just for safety reasons.

"I also have very serious concerns as the insurance commissioner that this could effect the rates individuals pay for their homeowners insurance," Commissioner John Oxendine tells WSB.

Oxendine says it's because insurance rates are tied to the ranking of the local fire department.

"At a time when many citizens are having trouble making ends meet and figuring out how to pay their bills, to have a substantial increase in their homeowners insurance because of these fire department changes would be even more devastating for a lot of Atlanta families," he says.

But Oxendine says public safety is also a major concern.

"I believe the number one purpose of government is the protection of life and property," he says, "and I believe cuts in the life/safety area should be done as a last resort."