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Muskego council approves November referendum to exceed levy limits for public safety
Summary
The Muskego Common Council voted 5–2 to place a question on the Nov. ballot asking voters to authorize exceeding levy limits to raise roughly $5.9 million annually for fire/EMS, police and public works support. Opponents unsuccessfully moved to delay for more public outreach.
The Muskego Common Council voted 5–2 on Aug. 4 to place a referendum on the Nov. ballot that would allow the city to exceed levy limits to fund public safety staffing and support.
The motion to put the question to voters passed after an extended debate over process and timing. Chair, who opened the proposal, described the package as totaling $5,900,000 and said it would let residents decide whether to authorize additional funding. "The number we're coming up with totals $5,900,000," the Chair said during the meeting. Alderman Wolf moved to delay the vote to allow more taxpayer education; Alderman Schrader seconded the delay motion, which failed in a 2–5 roll call.
Supporters said the referendum is a way to let voters decide on a large budget question rather than have the council make an immediate funding choice. Alderman Brace told colleagues the council's role at this stage is to place the question on the ballot and then hold public information sessions. Opponents argued the council was moving too quickly and that more public informational meetings should precede any decision to put the issue before voters.
The chair said the city will conduct a public-information campaign and forums between now and November to explain the proposal and answer questions. Following the vote, council members approved a motion to adjourn and closed the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
