City of Muskego, Committee of the Whole - 7/14/26

The City of Muskego Committee of the Whole meeting on July 14, 2026, focused primarily on a comprehensive study regarding the transition of the local fire and EMS services from a volunteer-based system to a more sustainable, partially full-time municipal department. Consultants presented findings highlighting the current system's fragility due to volunteer shortages and increasing call volumes, recommending a phased approach to hiring full-time staff including a fire chief, captains, and firefighter paramedics. The financial impact was estimated at $4.4 million over five years, with discussions about potential funding through a referendum and grant opportunities such as the SAFER grant. The meeting included extensive dialogue among alderpersons and community members about the study's scope, alternative options like mergers or privatization, and the urgency of addressing staffing challenges. Additional topics included the need for expanded public works and police staffing, with an estimated $5.9 million request for police staffing over five years. The council voted unanimously to move into a closed session for personnel and legal matters following the public discussion.