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Municipal reps press Marquette County to preserve Waushara EMS coverage as consolidation talks begin
Summary
Municipal representatives told the county committee they want the Waushara EMS contract continued while Marquette and Waushara explore consolidating EMS services and a DOR innovation grant is discussed. The committee agreed to continue talks and place the issue on the County Board agenda.
Municipal representatives from Crystal Lake and Neshkoro urged Marquette County’s Judicial & Public Safety Committee to ensure continuous EMS coverage while county officials explore a possible consolidation with neighboring Waushara County.
Debra Schrank spoke on behalf of Crystal Lake, and Larry Henke and Kris Bergh addressed the committee for the Town and Village of Neshkoro, each asking that existing coverage be maintained as discussions proceed. Administrator Barger told the committee that "Waushara County approached Marquette to consolidate Waushara and Marquette County EMS services" and that Waushara County Administrator Megan Kapp would like to apply for a Department of Revenue (DOR) innovation grant to assist with consolidation planning. Barger said Waushara agreed not to enforce an Aug. 1 cancellation deadline while both counties work through the proposal.
Municipal representatives requested that Marquette guarantee contract coverage through 2027 because of ongoing referendum timelines. Committee members noted that the three municipalities already contribute to EMS by apportionment at a higher level than the cost of the Waushara contract, and corporate counsel observed that contracts can be amended by either party. The committee reached consensus to continue exploring consolidation with Waushara and to place the item on the County Board agenda.
Why this matters: consolidation could change how EMS is funded and delivered across the two counties, affecting municipal apportionments and services to residents. The committee did not make a final decision; it directed further study and follow-up negotiations.
