On Tuesday, Muskego voters turned down a proposed $5.9 million referendum that would have funded additional police personnel and moved the city’s volunteer fire department toward full‑time staffing. The measure, presented as a five‑year staffing plan, required a modest property‑tax increase that would have added roughly $500 per year to the tax bill of a median‑assessed home valued at $512,000.
What the referendum would have done
If approved, the plan called for five new patrol officers, guaranteeing an extra officer on each shift, and the hiring of one new police dispatcher to handle incoming calls. The fire‑service component would have created 16 full‑time positions, including a fire chief, and added 36 part‑time firefighter and EMS roles for the Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department. City data shows Tess Corners responded to more than 1,800 emergency calls last year.
Mayor’s perspective and community context
Mayor Rick Petfalski noted that Muskego, the 30th‑largest community in Wisconsin, remains one of the few cities of its size still relying on a volunteer fire department. He pointed out that the state’s 50 largest municipalities all operate full‑time fire services, underscoring the city’s desire to keep pace with regional growth.
Petfalski also highlighted a 23 % increase in police calls over the past five years. He explained that roughly three‑quarters of reported crime originates outside city limits, driven by expanding local businesses and broader regional development.
Voter response and implications
The referendum’s defeat means the proposed tax increase will not take effect, and the city will continue operating its current public‑safety model. Residents who supported the measure argued that additional officers and full‑time fire staff would improve response times and enhance community safety. Opponents expressed concern about the tax impact on homeowners and questioned whether the city could fund the expanded workforce without raising rates.
City officials indicated they will reassess staffing needs and explore alternative funding options. The decision reflects Muskego’s tradition of careful fiscal stewardship, a principle long‑held by the community’s families and business owners.
Looking ahead
While the referendum did not pass, the city’s leadership remains committed to public‑safety goals. Future discussions may focus on incremental staffing adjustments, grant opportunities, or regional partnerships that can bolster police and fire services without imposing new taxes.
For now, Muskego residents can expect the existing police and volunteer fire teams to continue serving the community, while city leaders monitor growth trends and public‑safety demands to inform any next steps.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
