Muskego council approves contract with Test Corners Volunteer Fire Department after heated discussion on transparency

MUSKEGO, Wis. — The Muskego Common Council approved a renewed agreement with the Test Corners Volunteer Fire Department on March 10, voting 6–1 after a protracted debate about transparency and a letter from the department’s attorney.

Council members expressed unanimous appreciation for the volunteer department’s service — noting CPR classes, cadet programs and a $40,000 donation of automated external defibrillators — while some aldermen insisted that the city must be able to obtain clear financial information when needed. Alderman Decker described the attorney’s statement that services "may change at any time without notice" as "a very sobering statement." He said the wording amounted to an improper "threat" to withhold emergency service unless the council accepted the contract’s terms.

Alderman Price, a vocal supporter of the volunteers, said the department provides essential training and community services and that much of its financial information is publicly available: "If you need something, make some phone calls and figure out how to get it yourself," she said, urging approval.

Mayor and staff clarified the department has not refused to provide records under the open‑records law but does not want quarterly donation reporting embedded in the operating contract; the city attorney reviewed the contract language and staff said the wording is standard for contracted entities. The mayor noted the city currently lacks a fully executed fire service contract and said the attorney’s letter was intended to inform the council of possible consequences, not to coerce.

After discussion, a substitute motion to extend the former agreement for two years with altered financial caps failed for lack of a second. The original motion to approve the contract as presented passed in a roll call vote: six aldermen voted yes and one voted no.

What’s next: With a contract in place, the Test Corners department will continue providing fire and EMS services under the agreed terms; councilmembers indicated they may follow up on the city’s water connection policy and other administrative matters in separate proceedings. The mayor said any additional public records requested by the council are available through standard open‑records procedures.