The Algoma Town Board met on Tuesday and voted not to create a new emergency medical services (EMS) district that would have placed the town under a shared governance structure with the City of Oshkosh. The decision came after several hours of public pushback and lively discussion from residents and local officials.
Board members cite community concerns
Don Houde, a member of the Algoma Fire Department, expressed relief at the outcome, saying, “Very happy and pleased with the ultimate outcome. I know they left the door open to bring it up again, but I think the compassion of the town, the community emphasizes the work that we do.”
Town Administrator Maggie Mahoney warned that the proposed district would not give Algoma an equal voice in EMS decisions. “I do not think the town would agree to a government structure that would not give us a more equal place at the table,” she said.
What the EMS district would have changed
Under the proposal, Algoma would have created an EMS district that would have allowed the town to apply for a $50,000 annual state grant for several years. Proponents argued that the district could also have given Algoma greater control over EMS services, which are currently contracted to Oshkosh.
Robert Whitaker of McMahon Associates, who led a study on the potential merger of Algoma and Oshkosh fire departments, explained, “You’re providing the same service under a different governance agreement.” The town already contracts with Oshkosh for ambulance service, so the district would not have altered day‑to‑day emergency response.
Residents fear loss of influence
Local residents voiced strong opposition, fearing that Algoma would become a minority partner in any future merger. “If we join this district, we’ll be the minority,” said Algoma resident Scott Middleton.
Volunteer firefighters also expressed concern that the district was a stepping stone toward a full fire‑department merger. Fire Chief Kevin Sawicki noted, “We keep hearing this EMS district, EMS district. The whole plan is laid out. It’s one through five. You can focus on the one, but the rest of it’s there.”
Board’s rationale and next steps
The board clarified that the proposal was limited to creating the EMS district and did not include any immediate merger of fire departments. The decision to reject the district means Algoma will continue its existing arrangement with Oshkosh, maintaining independence for both EMS and fire services.
Board members emphasized that the town does not currently face a shortage of volunteer firefighters, contrary to reports of shortages in other parts of the state. This stability, they argued, reduces the need for structural changes.
Future possibilities
While the board voted against the district this time, Mahoney indicated the topic could be revisited in the future. “This could come back up later,” she said, noting that the town remains open to exploring options that better serve its residents.
For now, Algoma’s emergency services will continue operating under the existing contract with Oshkosh, preserving the town’s current level of service and local control.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
