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Resolution directing the City Administrator to prepare and present within 30-90 days an executive summary describing a potential joint fire department formed by West Allis and Wauwatosa
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WHEREAS, a report submitted by McMahon & Associates recommends that Wauwatosa and
West Allis consolidate their fire departments into a joint fire department that provides fire
protection and emergency services to both communities; and
WHEREAS, the recommendation is supported by information showing that the departments are
functionally set up well to merge because they are similar in staffing, call volume, and excellent
quality of service; and
WHEREAS, the recommendation finds that if the departments remain separate, levy limit laws
on both Wauwatosa and West Allis will soon impact each fire department, causing significant
budget deficits in each community; and
WHEREAS, by merging departments, the joint fire department is eligible to operate under a
more flexible financing model of CPI + 2% rather than restrictive traditional levy limits, thereby
creating long-term viability of fire protection and emergency services to both communities while
sustaining or improving services; and
WHEREAS, the common council desires to explore this concept more and dedicate city
resources to drafting an agreement to create a joint fire department;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Wauwatosa, in the
State of Wisconsin, that the city administrator shall have city staff draft an agreement that
transfers fire protection and emergency services to a joint fire department between the Cities of
Wauwatosa and West Allis in the manner contemplated by Wis. Stat. 66.0602(3)(h)1.;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city administrator, or a designee, shall endeavor to
present an executive summary of this draft agreement to the common council for its
consideration within 30 to 90 days.
By: Government Affairs Committee
recommendation
Recommendation: Approve 6-1