Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cottage Grove board declines to join multi‑municipal fire/EMS consolidation study after heated debate
Summary
Trustees voted 4–3 on May 4 to decline participation in a McMahon‑led feasibility study evaluating consolidation of fire and EMS across multiple municipalities. Supporters sought more data; opponents cited a strong local volunteer department, governance and cost concerns.
Cottage Grove, Wis. — The Village of Cottage Grove voted May 4 not to participate in a regional feasibility study on consolidated fire and EMS services, rejecting a motion to fund the village’s share of the multi‑municipal analysis.
The proposed study, organized initially by Fitchburg and Oregon and managed by McMahon Associates, was pitched as a chance to test whether shared or consolidated services could improve response or reduce costs across a wider corridor. Consultant Mark Roloff outlined a four‑to‑five‑month timetable and said earlier PAA work in the area could be used as groundwork.
Supporters said the study would generate data to help the village plan for long‑term changes in emergency response. Trustee JP, who moved to join the study, said the village should “get information” and help shape any future agreements.
Opponents argued Cottage Grove’s volunteer fire model remains strong and that the proposal’s geography and governance could leave the village with less influence over purchases and operations. Trustee Paula said, “If it’s not broke, why fix it?” and fire chiefs warned that many potential partners are paid departments with different cost structures and bargaining dynamics.
Fire leaders from Cottage Grove and neighboring jurisdictions urged caution about joining a study led by communities to the south and west rather than those the village most often works with to the east. Assistant Chief Lance Severson and other chiefs told trustees they preferred targeted collaboration with nearby departments they already support for mutual aid.
After discussion and a roll‑call vote the motion failed 3–4 (Erinson, Stowa and Trustee Vasencio voted yes; Benzo, KelNelson, Murphy and Severson voted no). The board did not adopt the study agreement, and staff said McMahon will continue work with the organizing municipalities without Cottage Grove’s participation.
What’s next: Village officials said they will use the existing PAA reports and their own internal work to evaluate options for fire and EMS and will revisit regional opportunities if circumstances change.
