Fire and Emergency Medical Services Funding in the Town of Port Washington

Over the past five years, every town in Ozaukee County has approved increased funding —through a higher tax levy—for fire and emergency medical services—either through a voter referendum or approval at a meeting of the electors—with the exception of the Town of Port Washington.

Although the cost of providing fire and emergency medical services has continued to rise, the Town of Port Washington did not need to pursue a levy increase during this period primarily because, as part of a boundary agreement with the City of Port Washington, the City agreed to lock the Town’s fire and ambulance service contract at the 2024 rate for a three-year period beginning in 2025. This agreement provided short-term financial stability and was beneficial to the Town at the time it was executed.

At the same time, the Town recognizes that the City’s decision to transition from an all-volunteer fire department to a full-time professional department was driven by circumstances largely beyond the City’s control. These circumstances include a significant and sustained increase in 911 call volume, particularly EMS and ambulance-related responses, along with the growing difficulty of recruiting and retaining traditional volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel. These challenges are affecting communities across the region and nationwide.

While the agreement has provided cost certainty for a limited period, it does not fully address the long-term escalation of fire and EMS service costs resulting from these operational realities. As a result, in the not-too-distant future, the Town will need to evaluate and determine a sustainable financial plan to ensure the continued delivery of reliable fire and emergency medical services to Town residents.