Village approves RFP for combined Fire & EMS organizational analysis; public safety impact fee to be scoped separately

The board approved release of a request for proposals to update the Village’s fire and EMS organizational analysis and to consolidate analyses completed in 2022. The proposed scope asks consultants to revisit previous recommendations, analyze facility improvement timing (including triggers and a 10‑year projection for a potential second station) and evaluate organizational changes to support growth. Staff asked trustees whether the RFP should also deliver a final, fee‑design study for a public safety impact fee; trustees and consultants said that while the RFP can “review the feasibility” of a fee, a separate, statutory facilities needs assessment is required before any public safety impact fee can be set.The item had been discussed earlier with municipalities that levy public safety impact fees. Trustee Paul reported speaking with McFarland officials who said adopting an impact fee did not slow development in their jurisdiction. Staff noted an estimated cost of about $15,000 to $20,000 to complete the formal facilities needs assessment (Baker Tilly was mentioned as an example consultant), and that Ehlers will include public safety fee considerations in a separate water/sewer financial study but that would not satisfy statutory needs for a formal facilities needs assessment.After discussion, trustees moved and seconded a motion to issue the RFP and seek proposals; staff were directed to coordinate the scope and timelines with the town if the town opts to participate, and to include a clear timeline to feed the village’s 2026 budget process.