The Oshkosh Common Council held a budget workshop on November 6, 2024, focusing on critical funding needs for the city's fire department and facilities. Council members expressed a strong consensus on the necessity of addressing the fire department's infrastructure and staffing challenges, emphasizing the urgency of making improvements.

During the meeting, discussions highlighted the need for updated fire department facilities, with council members acknowledging that the current infrastructure requires significant attention. One council member noted the desire to borrow $7 million for staffing but recognized the financial impracticality of such a move. The conversation underscored the tension between the infinite needs of the fire department and the finite resources available.

A key point of discussion was the status of the proposed training center for the fire department. While council members expressed support for the concept, concerns were raised about the project's location and cost. The council agreed on the importance of moving forward with some form of action to address the fire department's needs, suggesting the creation of a contingency fund to prioritize these projects.

The council also discussed the timeline for a comprehensive facility study, which is expected to be completed by May 2025. However, there was a shared concern that waiting until then could delay necessary improvements. To address this, council members proposed scheduling a workshop in January to review the training center's design and explore options for a joint facility with the police department.

Overall, the meeting reflected a commitment from the council to prioritize the fire department's needs while navigating the complexities of budget constraints. The next steps will involve gathering more information and ensuring that the council remains engaged in the decision-making process as they move forward with planning and funding for fire department facilities.