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Fire chief warns SAFER grant positions face 2027 funding cliff; referendum and grant extensions discussed
Summary
Fire Chief presented 2026 reductions and said 12 grant‑funded public safety positions (SAFER and ARPA) will require ongoing funding in 2027; staff outlined a possible referendum as the long‑term solution and said FEMA has opened an extension window for SAFER spending
Wausau Fire Chief (Chief Cops) told the Finance Committee Sept. 30 that the department’s budget reduces nonessential line items for 2026 but that 12 previously grant‑funded positions (nine SAFER grant positions plus three ARPA‑funded hires) will create a recurring funding gap starting in 2027 unless the city identifies a continuing revenue source.
Chief Cops summarized 2026 reductions — holding a vacant division chief position open, trimming…
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