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Spring Grove trustees question 26% proposed increase in Richmond fire contract
Summary
Board members asked the City of Richmond for details on a proposed $78,589 fire contract—26% over 2025—and discussed negotiating a smaller increase or, as a last resort, non‑renewal; the item was tabled to November.
The Town of Spring Grove board discussed a proposed 2026 fire contract from the City of Richmond for $78,589, a 26% increase over the 2025 contract, and tabled detailed consideration until November.
Planning Commissioner Jeff Holthouse raised concerns about the size of the increase and said the board would like to see how the contract amount was calculated and whether exempt property owners were included in the base. Holthouse suggested that an increase closer to the federal inflation rate (about 5.5 percent) might be more appropriate; Trustee Doug Brenneke agreed that a lower increase should be explored. Clerk‑Treasurer Jenney Holthouse said that, in prior years, a spreadsheet showing the calculation had been provided to the town but that it was not received this year.
Annemarie Chasteen agreed to follow up on prior‑year information regarding exempt versus non‑exempt property values and AJ Sickmann, the town attorney, said he would contact City of Richmond representatives to request the calculation details and to explore possible negotiations. Board members also discussed, without taking formal action at this meeting, the option of not renewing the contract if acceptable terms cannot be reached.
The minutes show the discussion was deferred to the November meeting for further review and potential negotiation.
