GRAFTON, Wis. — The 9-month-old Ozaukee Central Fire Department is facing a budget impasse after the Town of Grafton voted down the proposed budget increase.
The consolidated department has served both the towns and villages of Grafton and Saukville since the beginning of the year. The department requires approval from all four entities to pass its annual budget.
Watch: Village, Town of Grafton residents divided as Town rejects fire department budget increase
The Town of Grafton recently rejected the proposal, citing a lack of flexibility in the budget to afford the proposed, roughly 17% increase, about $135,000, according to Town Chairman Lester Bartel.
"The town was asked to put in too much," town resident Ruth Roblee said. "We're out in the town, so we don't have fire hydrants and things, so we rely on the departments."
Village resident Melissa Braaten-Krueger opposed the consolidation from the beginning.
"It seemed like it was creating extra cost, and of course, like every small decision, it seemed like it got very political," Braaten-Krueger said.
If no budget is approved, the department will operate on this year's budget, which Chief William Rice says includes already-used ARPA funds.
While Rice says it is premature to discuss how the budget impasse might affect response times, which leaders say have improved since the merger, the most likely impact would be the inability to fill currently vacant positions, contributing to understaffing issues.
Both the fire board and the town expect a deal to be worked out in time, even if compromises are needed.
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