Wauwatosa council directs staff to draft term sheet for potential joint fire department with West Allis

The Wauwatosa Common Council voted to advance work on a potential joint fire department with West Allis, approving two related resolutions after an extended, sometimes contentious debate.

One resolution, adopted 13–1, directs the city administrator to prepare and present within 30 to 90 days an executive summary outlining a potential joint fire department. A second resolution, also approved 13–1, authorizes city staff to apply for a state innovation grant if West Allis and Wauwatosa approve an agreement to transfer fire protection and emergency services.

The discussion was the evening’s longest. Alder Meindl, who announced a no vote, said the proposal was rushed and lacked key details. “We’re looking at being asked to commit without a solid governance structure, without a concrete dispatch plan, without a true financial risk assessment,” Meindl said, concluding, “For these reasons, I will be voting no.”

Mayor (name not provided) and other supporters said the measures are preliminary steps that would produce the facts the council has requested. The mayor said the city faces persistent budget gaps and staffing shortfalls and defended the approach as a way to preserve fire and paramedic services long-term. “If you vote for the merger, you will make both Wauwatosa and West Allis eligible for innovation grants, which could give each city $8,000,000 per year for 5 years,” the mayor said.

Alder Arnie and others emphasized the uncertainty of state support but argued in favor of pursuing the opportunity now. “This is an opportunity to be out front,” Arnie said, describing the proposal as a way to avoid deeper cuts or staffing reductions.

Other council members urged safeguards. Alder Phillips outlined four criteria he will seek in negotiations: a fair cost-sharing formula, union participation, service guarantees, and an exit clause if the arrangement does not work. “This can’t be a bailout to another community,” Phillips said.

Both resolutions move the effort into a formal planning phase rather than approving a final merger. The actions direct staff to assemble more detailed governance, fiscal and operational proposals and to pursue grant funding that could offset start-up costs. The council recorded the roll calls for both items. Item 6 (executive summary direction) failed only on Alder Meindl’s negative vote; item 7 (grant application authorization) failed only on Alder Bridal’s negative vote.

Next steps: staff will draft the term sheet and executive summary called for in the motion; the council will consider the results and any proposed agreement in future meetings.

Votes at a glance: Item 6 — directing the city administrator to prepare an executive summary — moved by Alder Franzen, seconded by Alder First; roll call recorded 13 yes, 1 no (Alder Meindl). Item 7 — authorizing staff to apply for an innovation grant contingent on intercity agreement — moved by Alder Franzen, seconded by Alder First; roll call recorded 13 yes, 1 no (Alder Bridal).

Why it matters: The resolutions start a process that could reshape how fire and emergency services are governed and funded in Wauwatosa and neighboring West Allis. They do not change service delivery now and do not authorize a merger — they require staff to develop the specific proposals the council said it needs to decide.

The council will return to the matter once staff deliver the executive summary and proposed term sheet.