A study commissioned by the cities of Wauwatosa and West Allis concluded that the two cities would see "a clear financial advantage" and "strategic and operational benefits" in a potential merger of their fire and EMS services, and residents are invited to learn more about the proposal at a series of events in September.
McMahon Associates, in a 40-page report dated Aug. 7 and released by the City of Wauwatosa on Aug. 27, said its study of the two cities' departments found they are of similar size and level of service, and both face financial challenges that could be addressed partly by sharing an administrative staff.
A combined department could realize savings of $7 million in the first five years, the study concluded, with an estimated 11 fewer employees needed and fewer reserve vehicles.
Maintaining the two cities' separate departments, on the other hand, "threatens the current level of service" because of statutory limits on both cities' tax levy increases. Those limits could require the cities to make a one-year reduction in costs of $2 million, according to the report.
"The bottom line is we need to reserve our fire service in both communities. We may be at the point in the near future where we won't be able to do that financially, and it's because the legislature has very antiquated financing laws," Mayor Dennis McBride told WTMJ-TV in June while the report was still pending.
McMahon Associates found that "both fire departments have a long history of providing exemplary service, while earning the trust and appreciation of their respective communities," it said in its report.
"Their participation in the county Shared Service Agreement further exemplifies a commitment to interoperability and operational unity, resulting in seamless integration during emergency responses. This foundation of mutual respect and proven collaboration positions them well for any future initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and public safety."
West Allis has scheduled an information session for its residents 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at its City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., followed by a West Allis Common Council meeting. The Wauwatosa Common Council will hear a presentation of the report at a Sept. 9 meeting at Wauwatosa City Hall, and an information session for Tosa residents is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in City Hall's Lower Civic Center, 7725 W. North Ave.
"No decisions have been made," the City of Wauwatosa said in releasing the report. "City leadership is carefully reviewing the findings and considering next steps in partnership with employees and community members." In addition to the public meetings, "we are holding internal staff sessions to ensure employees have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input."
The city also posted a list of answers to likely questions about the report to its website. It says a consolidated department would not likely result in closures of fire stations in the short term, and response times would stay the same or improve. A merger would require a new joint governance structure for fire services. The Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission would change to only overseeing the city's police department.
Wauwatosa, with about 50,000 residents, and West Allis, with about 60,000, are among the largest municipalities in Wisconsin, and they are outnumbered in Milwaukee County only by the City of Milwaukee.
Wauwatosa and West Allis began talks over a possible combined fire and EMS department in January.
"City leadership is currently reviewing the findings to determine appropriate next steps," the City of West Allis said in presenting the new report on its website. "A merger would only move forward if service levels to the communities were maintained or improved. No decisions have been made at this time."
McMahon Associates' report noted that a consolidated fire and EMS department could help Wauwatosa and West Allis enhance their emergency services, including response capabilities, training, safety inspections and outreach programs.
"While full consolidation of the Wauwatosa and West Allis fire departments will produce reductions in operating costs, it also positions the combined entity for increased funding opportunities," McMahaon Associates said. "Additionally, the model offers a scalable framework that could encourage future consolidation efforts with other communities across the region.
- Do you have thoughts about the report and the potential for a merged fire department? Drop us an email at editor@tosanews.com.
