# Public Safety Committee - August 26, 2026

Monona Public Safety Committee meeting, August 26, 2026: The committee reviewed proposed 2027 operating budgets for fire, EMS, law enforcement, and dispatch. The fire budget plan reduced a population-based line item by about $18,000 to offset costs after salaries and benefits; the chief described this as a one-time adjustment. The EMS proposal added $25,000 in revenue to maintain current service levels, including a $7,700 increase in tax-levy revenue, and raised the part-time medic wage allocation by $5,000 to support an increase from $22 to $24 per hour. Law enforcement’s proposal shifted $390 from information-technology equipment repair to staffing-related costs. Dispatch proposed a $1,239 increase to its redaction-related line item. The fire and law-enforcement budgets were approved by recorded votes; motions to approve the EMS and dispatch budgets were made and seconded, but the transcript does not clearly capture their vote outcomes.

Discussion also covered budget pressures from overtime and fuel, staffing needs amid expected population growth, and the possibility of seeking federal staffing grants, with concerns about long-term sustainability. Shared technology costs were expected to decline in 2027 due to staffing changes and discontinued services, including Premier Scribe and license-plate-reader use. The department said its LPR system was not being used, its current payment would continue through October or November 2026, and no LPR funding was designated for 2027 while neighboring communities evaluate alternatives. A new fire vehicle delivery was delayed by a transmission software issue. No new contract award or specific purchasing approval was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Information Technology
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** August 26, 2026

### Sources
- [Public Safety Committee - August 26, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDLsw1VnsYg) - Monona Community Media