Consultants recommend joint Wauwatosa–West Allis fire department to preserve frontline service and cut administrative costs

Consultants from McMahon Associates presented findings to the Wauwatosa Common Council on a shared-service review with West Allis, recommending the two cities pursue a consolidated (joint) fire department that would preserve current frontline staffing while reducing administrative duplication.

The recommendation, delivered by Mark Roloff, manager of the public safety and municipal management division for McMahon Associates, said the proposal would not “decrease the level of service that you’re providing to your community today.” Roloff added the consultants had received clear direction from both cities to avoid any reduction in field staffing.

The nut graf: The study concluded a joint department could produce roughly $1.3 million in first‑year administrative savings and about $7 million over five years by eliminating duplicative command and administrative positions (the report lists roughly 11 fewer non‑field staff). The consultants also said consolidation would increase eligibility for the State Innovation Fund created by Act 12 (2023), potentially making each city eligible for up to about $4.25 million annually for up to five years under the draft rules.

Key findings and context

- Operational parity: McMahon noted both departments are similar in population served, square miles covered, call volume and budgets. Both departments hold ISO Class 1 ratings, which McMahon said is rare and important for insurance ratings.

- Financial case: McMahon and consultant Mike Micheli highlighted state levy‑limit rules that treat joint fire agencies differently than separate municipal…