Muskego police chief warns of staffing shortfalls, floats public safety referendum

The police chief told the commission at its meeting that the department is operating under sustained staffing pressure and is exploring options — including a possible public safety referendum — to increase sworn ranks.

The chief said the past budget cycle was the most difficult of his tenure and that the department has made internal cuts and used creative scheduling to cope. "I've started floating the word public safety referendum," he said, framing it as one option to secure additional operating dollars and staff. He asked commissioners to be prepared to discuss the matter in the future and said he might seek their help in messaging and outreach.

Why it matters: staffing shortfalls affect response capacity and the department's ability to participate in interagency operations. The chief said the city has already curtailed some joint activity because of personnel constraints — "We've had to drop out of the Waukesha County Drug Task Force" — and asked the commission to consider staffing strategy as part of long-term public-safety planning.

Commissioners asked for supporting data. The chief offered to produce statistics showing where arrestees come from and other trends to justify any request for new resources. He noted population and commercial growth in Muskego are increasing demand for services and that the department wants to show a measured, evidence-based case before pursuing ballot action.

The meeting record shows no formal direction or vote on a referendum; the statement was presented as an option under consideration.