Village Fire Department Faces Crisis Amid Administrative Turmoil

In a recent village board meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the status and future of the Salem Volunteer Fire Department, which has faced administrative dissolution and compliance issues. The department was administratively dissolved on June 13, 2020, and has been delinquent on its paperwork with the State of Wisconsin since April 2019. Additionally, its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status was revoked in 2014, raising questions about potential tax liabilities dating back to that year.

Village officials expressed hesitation about investing substantial funds—estimated between $100,000 to $200,000—into a facility that the village does not legally own and which is associated with an organization that has repeatedly failed to maintain good standing. Immediate needs for the fire station include essential improvements such as the installation of a hot water heater, a dishwasher, and basic furniture repairs, which were deemed non-negotiable due to the living conditions for firefighters and paramedics.

Further discussions highlighted the necessity for long-term renovations, including ADA-compliant bathrooms and privacy measures in sleeping quarters, which are currently lacking. The board is awaiting a formal meeting from the fire department association to address these issues and potentially reinstate its status.

The meeting also covered the fire department's operational status, reporting a busy September with over 168 calls, including seven air transport requests. The chief emphasized ongoing recruitment efforts to bolster staffing levels, which remain in flux.

In financial matters, the board approved disbursements totaling $835,422.29 and reviewed a revenue and expenditure report indicating that revenues are on track at 72%, while expenditures stand at 55.53%. The village is preparing for a budget workshop and a public hearing scheduled for November.

As the village navigates these challenges, officials remain committed to transparency and collaboration, seeking to ensure the fire department can continue to serve the community effectively while addressing its operational and financial hurdles.