Resident criticizes proposed village takeover of Cross Plains EMS; committee readies presentation and public letter

Robinson, a Cross Plains resident and member of Cross Plains EMS and Cross Plains Fire, told the Finance Advisory Committee on July 2 that the committee had not provided ‘‘any reason why the proposed village takeover’’ of Cross Plains EMS should proceed. He said the finance committee ‘‘can't even provide an answer’’ in district EMS meetings and that the committee previously noted there was ‘‘no financial benefit’’ to the village taking over. Robinson said the committee had not shown a full financial impact assessment and that a proposed transfer of administrative tasks would add ‘‘$36,000 annually to the budget’’ and increase workload for village staff. "Shame on all of you," Robinson concluded at the end of his remarks.

Committee members discussed the timing and content of an informational letter and presentation staff plan to release to residents. The finance director said the draft capital improvement plan had already been distributed to the village board and that the village will begin detailed budget discussions at the August meeting. The committee agreed staff would circulate a draft response to residents the next morning and include a budget (2025 figures were mentioned) in the materials to be shared at the upcoming presentation.

Committee member Michael (committee member) and staff reviewed the structure and tone of the draft letter and asked staff to lead with a clear bottom line so readers understand why the issue is being discussed. Staff said the letter is intended as an informational briefing to invite residents to future meetings and that more detailed slides and financial backup would be provided at the presentation. Staff also said the presentation will explain governance questions raised in public comment, including how the district's voting structure functions and which decisions are made by the district versus municipal boards.

Discussion at the meeting distinguished between public comment, staff informational materials, and any formal board action. Robinson's remarks came during the public‐comment portion of the meeting. Committee discussion that followed was procedural and focused on drafting outreach materials and preparing a fuller presentation; no motion to adopt a change in EMS governance or to transfer EMS administration to the village was made during the meeting.

The committee asked that the draft letter and the presentation include clear financial tables and a timeline for next steps so residents can read the background material before the presentation. Staff said they would publish the letter and push it to Facebook and email lists and would provide hard copies on request. The presentation was described as including a review of possible scenarios and the committee's recommended next steps but not as a finalized plan to change EMS governance.

The meeting record shows the committee plans public outreach and a board presentation but does not record any vote to take over EMS administration.