By Mark Schaff
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
GREENFIELD, Wis. — The Fire Department would lose one firefighter per shift under the mayor’s 2010 budget, one of many signs of the financial pressure the city faces.
Under Mayor Michael Neitzke’s proposal, unveiled earlier this month, the city’s property tax levy would rise 3.7 percent. The $22.9 million budget is about $196,000 less than last year.
The estimated tax rate would be $6.91 per $1,000 of assessed property value, a decrease from $8.35 last year after the city’s revaluation. This means a person owning a $200,000 home would pay $1,380 in the city’s portion of the tax bill.
Falling revenue
Like most municipalities, the city faces declining revenue from interest income, permits and licenses. Fees from permits and licenses are down about $121,000 while interest income has decreased about $650,000, officials said.
State shared revenues have also declined while health care costs for city employees are up.
Meanwhile, the equalized value of Greenfield has decreased by almost $90 million, a sign of reduced property values. Officials said it was the first ever year the city’s tax base has declined.
The price of service cuts
As a result, Neitzke is proposing that the city not fill the positions of three firefighters who will retire in 2010, resulting in one fewer firefighter per shift. After factoring in increased overtime, the city would save about $49,000, Neitzke said.
Alderwoman Linda Lubotsky said she would rather keep the three positions, as well as one police officer position that would also go unfilled. The impact on residents’ tax bills would be small compared to the higher quality of service, she said.
The Fire Department has not added a new position since 1987, yet call volumes have increased. The department is at the minimum staffing levels required by state law.
Neitzke said no one is happy about the possibility the positions won’t be filled, but the police and fire departments can make due with the smaller staffing.
Fire Chief Russ Spahn said the department would get by because of the increased overtime, though he noted that in the case of a major event, fewer firefighters would be available.
“Will we maintain the level of safety and the level of protection we’ve enjoyed these last few years? Yes,” he said.
Changes ahead?
The budget proposal could still change.
During an Oct. 14 meeting, Lubotsky cast the lone dissenting vote against formally publishing the budget, a step required by law so the city can hold a public hearing in November, after which the Common Council will adopt the budget.
Copyright 2009 Journal Sentinel Inc.