PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Oshkosh and the Town of Algoma may merge their fire departments as municipal budgets continue to tighten.
A new report shows a merger would be feasible over the course of several years, taking gradual steps to merge services. The Town of Algoma already contracts with Oshkosh for its EMS services.
“It’s about maintaining the high quality of service with our financial limitations,” said Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill.
Inflation has outpaced municipalities’ ability to raise taxes to fund city services, leaving several options: run a budget deficit, cut services or find ways to consolidate. A joint department could benefit from more stable tax funding and a state taxpayer grant.
“Well, thinking about the future and a lot of it was the that innovation grant and the budget,” said Algoma Town Chair Joel Rasmussen.
About the Town of Algoma:
- Volunteer fire department
- About 7,000 residents
- Located west of the southside of Oshkosh
- Has one fire station
About Oshkosh:
- Employees are full-time
- About 115 team members
- City has about 67,000 residents
- Has six fire stations
Funding isn’t a dire issue right now, but it could continue to worsen.
“This isn’t some sudden thing, it’s to take care of the future,” said Rasmussen. “And that’s what this is about from the start, is what’s the future gonna hold.”
This also would alleviate Algoma’s need to recruit volunteers. Right now, the department has enough bodies, but the lead consultant for the report said he sees recruiting volunteer firefighters as an increasing challenge.
“It’s harder than it’s ever been to organize and operate a volunteer fire department,” said Timm Schabbel, a consultant from McMahon.
Officials emphasize this is about funding, not service in any way. They hope to find a way for both to still have full service to residents while each maintains some control over the department.
“If we move forward with this, they would likely not notice any difference [in service],” said Grill.
Discussions now begin on whether to begin to merge service over the course of several years. Both say there is no chance Oshkosh will annex the Town of Algoma.
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