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Resolution authorizing city staff to apply for an innovation grant upon the approval by West Allis and Wauwatosa of an agreement to transfer fire protection and emergency services to a joint fire department
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WHEREAS, 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 created an innovation grant program for any municipality that transfers certain municipal services or duties to a county, municipality, nonprofit organization, or private entity and meets other parameters; and
WHEREAS, 2025 Wisconsin Act 15 amended the parameters that make a municipality eligible for the innovation grant program, making it possible for the City to be eligible for an innovation grant by transferring fire protection and emergency services to a joint fire department; and
WHEREAS, Wis. Stat. 79.038 allows municipalities to apply for an innovation grant only after they have a signed agreement to transfer services to a joint fire department; and
WHEREAS, the innovation grant could be up to five annual payments, each of which is equal to 25% of the total costs to provide fire protection and emergency services in the year prior to transferring those services; and
WHEREAS, initial estimates for the innovation grant payment are $4.25 million annually, or between $16 million - $21 million over five years; and
WHEREAS, it is unknown exactly when grant applications will be available, but if Wauwatosa and West Allis approve a joint fire department agreement in the future, the City intends for this resolution to pre-authorize staff to apply for an innovation grant without delay;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Wauwatosa in the State of Wisconsin, that the common council approves city staff to apply for an innovation grant under Wis. Stat. 79.038 related to the transfer fire protection and emergency services to a joint fire department as soon as the City is eligible to do so.
By: Government Affairs Committee
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Recommendation: Approve 7-0