The Village of Waunakee voted to provide formal notice of early termination of the lease for the village-owned fire department building, with staff setting an effective date of Jan. 1, 2027, while noting facilitated intermunicipal discussions could change that course.

Todd, a village staff member who introduced the agenda item, said the village previously passed resolutions expressing intent to withdraw from the Waunakee Area Fire District and that staff and the fire committee are now opening collaborative discussions among the participating towns about the future of the department. "If it does come to pass that the village does withdraw from the department, [we] would also look to regain ownership and use of the fire department itself, which the village owns, but leases back to the fire district," Todd said.

Todd told trustees the lease language requires one-year notice for early termination; the board voted to provide that notice while acknowledging the facilitated process might allow the village to delay or withdraw the action. Several trustees underscored that the move is a formal step taken to preserve options during ongoing talks rather than an immediate operational change.

The staff recommendation to approve the notice passed by voice vote. Todd and staff said they will continue participating in facilitated meetings with the fire committee and participating towns and will report back to the board as discussions progress.