From Chief Kopp:

“Emergency calls in Wausau have increased more than 300% over the past several decades, while staffing has grown far more slowly. This referendum gives voters the choice to maintain current firefighter/paramedic staffing by replacing expiring federal grants, not to add positions, but to protect the level of service our community expects and deserves.”

How will the Referendum Question look on your ballot?

“Under state law, the increase in the levy of the City of Wausau for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2027, is limited to 3.544%, which results in a levy of $36,656,773."

Shall the City of Wausau be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2027, for the purpose of retaining 12 firefighter/paramedic positions and offset expiring federal grants, by a total of 3.956%, which results in a levy of $38,106,773, and on an ongoing basis, include the increase of $1,450,000 for each fiscal year going forward?

What does a "Yes" vote or a "No" vote mean?

A “yes” vote on the question means that the elector is in favor of $1,450,000 of additional taxation by the City of Wausau through an ongoing increase in the annual property tax levy to maintain current staffing levels at the Wausau Fire Department.

A “no” vote on the question means that the elector is not in favor of $1,450,000 of additional taxation to maintain current staffing levels at the Wausau Fire Department.

Why a Referendum Is Needed Now?
In 2021, the Wausau Fire Department received a FEMA SAFER grant that funded nine
firefighter/paramedic positions. An additional three firefighter/paramedic positions were funded using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. These grants were temporary and are now expiring.

Twelve (12) firefighter/paramedic positions are at risk. Without voter approval to exceed state levy limits, the City cannot replace this funding locally. The referendum seeks approval for a $1.45 million levy increase to maintain existing staffing — not to expand the department.

Staffing vs. Call Volume
Since 1970, calls for service have increased by more than 337%; while staffing has increased by on 16%.  This widening gap places increasing strain on emergency response resources. 

Ambulance Staffing & Emergency Medical Demand
The Wausau Fire Department currently staffs three ambulances.  With current staffing levels, the department can maintain a fourth ambulance to meet increased EMS demand.  If staffing is reduced, the fourth ambulance cannot be consistently staffed.  This would require greater reliance on mutual aid ambulances from neighboring communities.  Those agencies often experience similar call volumes and may not always be available, leading to longer response times during medical emergencies.

Cost for Homeowners
Estimated Cost: $36 per $100,000 of home value per year

For a $200,000 home, this equals approximately $72 per year, or about $6 per month.

What Today's Firefighters Do
Wausau firefighter/paramedics are cross-trained professionals who respond to more than fires alone.

• Paramedic EMS
• Technical & High Angle Rescue
• Auto & Machinery Extrication
• Code Enforcement
• Arson & Fire Investigation
• Community Care Paramedicine
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
• Water & Dive Rescue
• Public Education & Risk Reduction
• Tactical/SWAT EMS
• Special Operations
• Rescue Task Force

ISO Rating and Insurance Cost Savings
In 2024, the Wausau Fire Department received an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PFC) rating of Class 2.

The department's goal is to achieve an ISO Class 1 rating during the next evaluation in 2028.

Maintaining the current staffing level is essential to reaching this goal.  Reduced staffing would make an ISO 1 rating unattainable.

An ISO Class 1 rating results in lower fire insurance premiums for homeowners, businesses, and industries - providing long-term savings for taxpayers.

 Bottom Line  

This referendum allows Wausau to maintain reliable emergency response, protect public safety, and control long-term insurance costs for the community.