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Northshore Fire Department budget, capital plan and new fees approved by Whitefish Bay board
Summary
The Whitefish Bay Village Board approved three Northshore Fire Department resolutions on Oct. 20: a multi-year capital budget, a levy-limit exception, and a revised fee schedule that moves ambulance billing to a bundled model. The changes respond to rising personnel and vehicle costs and fund short-term staffing tied to ambulance revenue.
Whitefish Bay — The village board on Oct. 20 approved three resolutions from the Northshore Fire Department that set a multi-year capital plan, authorize a levy-limit exception and adopt a new fee-for-service schedule that moves ambulance billing to a bundled model.
Chief Robert Whitaker, presenting the department's 2026 budget, said personnel costs account for more than 80% of the department's spending and that union wage increases and health insurance renewals are principal cost drivers. The board was told the department's 2026 operating budget totals $14.995 million, a 3% increase over 2025.
Whitaker described a planned capital program that, over a five-year period, replaces engines, ambulances and a ladder truck. "I signed a contract today for 1.96 million for [a ladder truck] to replace it," Whitaker said, noting delivery timelines of several years for specialty vehicles.
The board also discussed ambulance operations and billing. Staff said ambulance transport revenue comprises about 17% of the department's operating income and that average cost per transport, using a federal methodology, is roughly $1,962. Whitaker explained the department proposes moving from itemized charges to bundled billing to reduce insurer rejections and simplify collections. "Labor" is the largest component of the per-transport cost, he said.
In separate motions the board approved: resolution 3185 (the Northshore Fire Department capital budget for 2026'2030); resolution 3186 (authorizing use of a statutory levy-limit exception for joint fire department charges); and resolution 3187 (adopting the 2026 fee-for-service schedule, including bundled ambulance rates). Each motion carried after voice votes with no recorded opposition.
The agenda packet and discussion indicate the capital plan will be funded from a combination of municipal contributions, one-time revenue receipts the department reported receiving for prior Medicaid/Medicare payments, and the department's capital reserves. Whitaker said the department is attempting to staff additional ambulance capacity using transport fee revenue rather than increasing the municipal contribution.
What happens next: the capital plan and fee schedule will be implemented per the resolutions the board adopted; the department will proceed with vehicle procurement and continue its billing changes and outreach to insurers. The board also adopted a resolution enabling municipalities in the joint department to use a levy-limit exception in 2026.
Actions: Resolution 3185 (approved) | Resolution 3186 (approved) | Resolution 3187 (approved).
