West Allis and Wauwatosa are considering merging their fire departments. A 40-page study presented in West Allis projected the cities could save $7 million over five years while keeping or improving response times. West Allis city attorney Kail Decker said, "We've had to cut costs everywhere else to maintain fire coverage. We're at the point now where there's not much left to cut," according to WISN.
The proposed merger would involve a single fire chief and streamlined command structure. Savings would be achieved through natural attrition and by offloading redundant equipment. "In the merger none of the locations of any units change, none of the houses change, so the response times would also remain the same," Jason Schaak, West Allis's interim fire chief, said in a FOX6 interview. These measures are designed to ensure the same level of emergency response while reducing overhead expenditures.
The West Allis and Wauwatosa fire departments are considering a merger to address funding challenges. Officials said the plan would not reduce front-line emergency services or include layoffs. State law would allow a merged department to raise property taxes incrementally to support operations. A consultant said, "Joint fire agencies give you an opportunity to do a better job of raising funds," as mentioned by WISN. Some residents have expressed support, with Carla Krueger telling CBS 58, "We’ve got to come out here to let them know how we feel. You know, if we like it or not, what's going on, you know, but I like this." The West Allis Common Council has approved making an implementation plan, and the Wauwatosa council will hold its first hearing next week. The merger would only move forward if both councils agree.
