Fire and EMS Funding Goes to the Ballot in Wisconsin
Across Wisconsin, fire and EMS departments often rely on voter-approved measures to fund staffing, equipment, and operations.
Over the past few decades, towns across Wisconsin have seen similar trends: population growth and development have led to more frequent incidents, rising call volumes, and more complex needs. When these costs grow beyond what state levy limits allow, communities turn directly to voters.
On April 7, Wisconsin will hold its 2026 spring election. In communities such as Sun Prairie, Wausau, and Weston, local ballots will include fire and EMS funding measures. So what is being asked of voters, and why does it matter?
Sun Prairie: Growing Demand Driving Fire and EMS Funding Vote
Sun Prairie is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Madison area, with a current population estimated at around 40,000 and projections suggesting it could grow by another 4,000 residents by 2030. That growth has translated directly into increased demand for emergency services. Over the past decade, EMS calls in Sun Prairie have nearly doubled, and fire calls have nearly tripled.
To meet that demand, the city is asking voters to approve a $3.95 million annual increase in the property tax levy. If passed, the measure would add two firefighters, increase salaries for part-time firefighters, and provide resources to maintain response times as the community continues to expand.
Fire Chief Christopher Garrison has noted that a consultant’s review suggests the city may need an additional ambulance and potentially a new station within the next four to five years. Addressing staffing and compensation now is seen as a critical step toward being ready for that future growth.
Wausau: Fire Department Funding Referendum
Wausau voters will also weigh in on a fire department funding question this April. But unlike the one in Sun Prairie, this measure is not about expanding services, but maintaining them.
Over the past decades, emergency calls in the area have increased by 300%, but the number of full-time staff has increased by only 16%. Since 2021, to address this gap, the Wausau Fire Department has relied on temporary federal funding, including a FEMA SAFER grant covering nine firefighter/paramedic positions and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars covering three more. Those funding sources are now expiring, and without voter approval to exceed state levy limits, the city cannot replace that funding locally.
The referendum asks whether the city should increase its annual property tax levy by $1.45 million to permanently retain those 12 positions. Without them, the department would lose the ability to consistently staff a fourth ambulance, increasing reliance on mutual aid from neighboring communities.
Weston: Expanding Firefighter-Paramedic Staffing
The Village of Weston, in the Wausau area, has already approved placing a referendum on the April 7 ballot to increase levy limits by $600,000.
Why? According to Fire Chief Josh Finke, the town urgently needs to recruit full-time firefighters to provide round-the-clock coverage. Over the past few years, the department’s roster has dropped from the 60s to the low 40s, as part-time and volunteer staff have moved to full-time employment elsewhere.
To compensate, the department needs to hire six new full-time firefighters. The estimated cost is roughly $104,000 per hire, but the village cannot absorb this amount without voter approval. If passed, new staff would join in mid-2027.
Why Fire and EMS Referendums Are Becoming More Common
Wisconsin municipalities face statutory limits on how much they can increase property taxes from year to year. These resources must cover rising personnel costs, gear replacement, equipment maintenance, and even routine inflation.
When emergency service costs grow faster than those limits allow, local governments often have only one option: ask voters directly.
With voter approval, local governments can raise budget caps and establish new sources of revenue. In turn, this can be used to pay for:
- Additional firefighters or paramedics
- New stations
- Ambulance services
- Equipment replacement
What These Votes Mean for Fire and EMS Services
Referendum outcomes have direct consequences for department readiness. Approval allows departments to hire personnel, purchase equipment, and maintain response times. Rejection forces difficult choices around staffing and coverage. Voter-approved levy increases become part of a community’s permanent funding base, shaping emergency service capacity for years to come.
Final Thoughts
This April, Wisconsin voters in Sun Prairie, Wausau, and Weston will cast ballots that directly shape the future of their local fire and EMS services. These referendums reflect a growing reliance on voter-approved funding to sustain public safety infrastructure. As emergency service demands continue to rise, local ballot decisions will remain a critical tool for keeping communities protected.
