Fox Valley Metro Police Department. PC: Fox 11 Online
KIMBERLY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Hundreds of citizens gathered for listening sessions Monday as Kimberly continues to explore leaving the Fox Valley Metro Police Department.
They would instead partner with the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office for their law enforcement services.
Kimberly and Little Chute have been the only two communities served by the Fox Valley Metro Police Department since Combined Locks left after 2017. They also now partner with Outagamie County.
Kimberly said they’d save an estimated $279,313 per year, about 17% of their $1.66 million 2025 police budget, by making the switch.
Village President Chuck Kuen said the sessions went as advertised — a time for community members and officials to listen.
“I expected to see a strong presence of support for the Fox Valley Metro,” said Kuen. “I expected to get a mixed reaction of some who are on the fence. I think it was very healthy for the village board to listen to people’s perspective.”
He declined to say whether he was leaning one way, and even added it’s possible the board will put the decision up to a referendum.
Full details:
- Estimated $279,000 in savings ($1.66 million vs. $1.38 million)
- Maintains 24/7 coverage, investigative services and school resource officers
- Maintains estimated 1.4 sworn officers per 1,000 residents
- Cost per average household decrease by $98 ($584 vs. $486)
The majority of residents were skeptical, saying the community connection can’t be replicated. Tom Schrank of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association believes the loss of connection outweighs the financial savings.
“You have these officers that are committed to the community,” said Schrank, referring to the FVMPD officers. “They give you that personal touch. They know the people in the community. They recognize them as they walk the streets. They stop by. They chat with them, and the community knows them. That’s the important thing, because we count on citizens to trust their local law enforcement, to know the local law enforcement officers.”
His opponents cited the financial savings and better service from a larger department.
“What I’ve seen in Combined Locks, and I’ve spoken to people in Greenville and in the town of Buchanan — every single one of them said nothing but praise and said nothing but good things,” said Matt Tennessen, who lives near Kimberly’s border with Combined Locks. “They feel like they are getting better police services.”
Kimberly leaders say residents would have the same coverage, with dedicated officers 24/7 in the village. They added it’s a financial decision that has nothing to do with coverage or quality.
A decision will likely be made within the next month. The transition would then be at least three years, as required in their agreement with Little Chute.
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