Why a YES vote is needed for 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 (ARPA) dollars. These grants were temporary and are now expiring. Twelve (12) firefighter/paramedic programs 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 current staffing — not expand the department staff.
What this means for homeowners
Estimated Cost: $36 per $100,000 of assessed home value per year. For a $200,000 home, this equals approximately $72 per year, or about $6 per month, less than the current standard Netflix subscription.
Staffing vs. Call Volume
Since 1968, calls for service have increased by more than 444% with the same daily staffing. As you can imagine, the ever-increasing call volume places strain on emergency response resources.
What Today’s Firefighters Do
Modern firefighter/paramedics are cross-trained professionals who respond to far more than fires alone.
Paramedic EMS
Technical & High-Angle Rescue
Auto & Machinery Extrication
Code Enforcement
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
Water & Dive Rescue
Public Education & Risk Reduction
Tactical / SWAT EMS
Arson & Fire Investigation
Special Operations
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.
ISO Rating & Insurance Cost Savings
In 2024, the Wausau Fire Department received an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of Class 2. The department’s goal is to achieve an ISO Class 1 rating during the next evaluation in 2028. Maintaining current staffing levels 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 industry — 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.