The city of Muskego is asking voters to approve a $5.9 million referendum to create a full-time fire department — a major shift for the largest city in Waukesha County that currently relies on a volunteer department.
Watch Rebecca Klopf’s full report in the video player below:
Muskego voters ask questions about $5.9 million fire and police referendum
The referendum would fund 16 full-time firefighters, five new police officer positions, a dispatcher, and public works employees to maintain fire equipment. For the average homeowner with a $500,000 home in Muskego, the cost would be about $41 a month.
Muskego currently has 25,000 residents and relies on the Tess Corners Fire Department for emergency response. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most volunteer firefighters serve in departments that have fewer than 25,000 residents.
The volunteer department is funded by the city of Muskego along with state and federal grants. Fire stations are staffed Monday through Friday with paid on-call members.
Mayor Rick Petfalski said the staffing model is no longer sustainable…