JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Mayor John Peyton and others at City Hall said they have cut Jacksonville's budget all they can, but a government watchdog group suggested ways they could save more money -- an additional $10 to $20 million.

Group: City Can Do Better Job Spending Tax Dollars

The suggestions came Monday as Florida TaxWatch released results of its study on the efficiency of Jacksonville's government.

TaxWatch called Jacksonville one of the best-run governments in Florida, but suggested could save millions more.

"What we found is there is a opportunity to save a lot of money," said Florida TaxWatch chairman David Smith.

The group's biggest suggestions for saving taxpayers money include combining the buying power of the city with the JEA and school board, altering employee health care plans and moving city elections -- held in the spring of odd years -- to coincide with the state and federal elections in the fall of even years.

"I think there are some thought-provoking ideas here that we should explore," Peyton said after hearing TaxWatch's presentation.

Moving city elections has been suggested before, and county’s election's chief confirms it could save millions of dollars.

"It's really one the legislature will have to decide," said Jerry Holland, Duval County's supervisor of elections. "It definitely can save between $2 and $3 million. It’s one that maybe should be put on the ballot for the voters to decide."

Smith lives in Jacksonville, so he is aware of the new fees now being charged for garbage pickup and storm water runoff and a utility surcharge.

As a homeowner and businessman, he's not happy about the fees, but agrees that they are necessary.

Smith said if the city implements TaxWatch's suggestions, there should be enough money saved to avoid future tax increases.

"All this stuff that we got to do, but we can't do it," Smith said. "The taxpayers can't pay any more. We just can't do it."