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Committee reviews volunteer fire department's building problems, ownership and options for future service model
Summary
Committee members raised concerns after engineers identified severe water infiltration at the Test Corners Volunteer Fire Department station and a deteriorating roof; staff said rebuilding the wall could cost nearly $1 million, the roof about $200,000, and the city is examining options including a study on consolidation or reorganization.
Committee members discussed extensive moisture and structural problems at a volunteer fire station that the Test Corners Volunteer Fire Department (TCVFD) operates, and explored options ranging from repairing the existing structure to commissioning a study on future service models.
Staff reported that the station shows recurring and severe water infiltration through block walls used during its 1970s construction. Architects and engineers who inspected the building described water pouring through wall sections during heavy rain; staff said repeated surface treatments and repainting had not solved the underlying issue. The TCVFD requested capital for a new wall and roof; staff said an initial estimate of rebuilding the wall approached $1 million and roof replacement work at another station could be around $200,000. Scott (city staff) said the city is evaluating alternatives rather than immediately funding a full rebuild.
Committee members asked about building ownership and financial responsibility. Staff said the volunteer department is a private entity under a dissolution agreement with Muskego City and that the agreement requires council approval for expenditures over a certain dollar amount. Staff also noted that, in practice, the volunteer department is funded largely by municipal dollars for operations and maintenance, and that any large expenditure would require council review.
Council members discussed options for long-term service delivery: (1) continue the volunteer arrangement and fund repairs; (2) consolidate or contract with nearby departments; (3) create a hybrid municipal/volunteer model; or (4) transition to a full municipal fire department. The committee also noted that the city has budgeted a study (approximately $30,000 was discussed) to evaluate service models and that staff would present options and cost estimates for capital repairs and the proposed study at a future meeting.
Several alderpersons asked for transparency about TCVFD finances and the history of repair attempts; staff agreed to follow up about past maintenance, paint and contractor timeline information and to bring those financial and condition details back to the committee before any large capital appropriation.
