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Waunakee board reviews Wisconsin Policy Forum study on EMS consolidation; board stays neutral pending Middleton decision
Summary
Trustees reviewed a Wisconsin Policy Forum feasibility study on potential consolidation between Waunakee Area EMS and Middleton EMS, discussed response-time, border and cost issues, and agreed to remain neutral until Middleton’s council meets; no formal action taken.
The Village Board reviewed a draft feasibility study produced by the Wisconsin Policy Forum assessing options for coordination or consolidation between Waunakee Area EMS and Middleton EMS and took no formal action, instead agreeing to await Middleton’s response.
Staff and trustees discussed the study’s options, which range from remaining separate to phased consolidation with shared stations or crews. Staff described the study as containing “educated guesses” on construction and staffing costs and noted that some figures—particularly station construction estimates—may be low. The draft report was scheduled for public release by the Wisconsin Policy Forum later in the week.
Trustees and EMS representatives raised operational and equity concerns: the report highlighted long response times to portions of Westport (including the retirement community Westshire), and trustees noted that some options in the study would shift costs toward smaller municipalities while producing more immediate savings for Middleton. Trustee Robert McPherson, who represents the village on EMS-related matters, said Middleton would likely see cost savings under many scenarios while smaller municipalities could face higher relative costs. Board members emphasized the need to avoid “subsidizing Middleton” without negotiated protections.
The board also discussed district border issues and mutual-aid patterns; staff noted mutual-aid partners such as DeForest and that dispatch sends the closest available unit for life-threatening emergencies regardless of district borders. Trustees asked that Robert (the village’s EMS commissioner) and EMS governance bodies continue discussions and suggested a joint meeting with Middleton be scheduled. Trustees agreed it was premature to take a formal position; one motion recorded as guidance was that the village would remain neutral pending Middleton’s council meeting and further information from the EMS commission.
No closed-session bargaining or vote occurred. Staff said the EMS commission will meet in April and that any negotiation about the intergovernmental agreement would likely require additional meetings and possible closed-session discussion by the village prior to formal changes to the IGA.
