By Stefanie Scott
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WAUWATOSA, Wis. — Consultants will be keeping an eye on Wauwatosa Fire Department’s operations over the next several months.
The Common Council on Tuesday approved spending $65,000 on a review by International City/County Management Association, a professional organization for city managers, to see if any personnel or service changes could result in efficiencies within the department.
Merits of study debated
Some aldermen called the expenditure “frivolous,” while others said it was a responsible step to plan for the department’s future.
Alderman Michael Walsh said he didn’t see a specific goal for the study, adding that he would consider any recommendations “sketchy.” He would be uncertain if the changes were necessary or just consultants finding problems to prove their services worthwhile.
For Alderwoman Linda Nikcevich, scrutinizing the department comes at time when many of its managers are dealing with issues related to the Fire Station 1 replacement project. She voiced concern that some operations would prove atypical at this time, which could skew the results of the study.
“The timing on this seems extremely unfortunate,” she said.
Some say review has merit
But others said the timing couldn’t be better. The department is expecting numerous members of the command staff retirements in coming years and the last review was done more than 15 years ago.
Those council members in support of the review were quick to point out they respected how the department has been operating, but every organization should undergo an unbiased review at some point.
Alderman Peter Donegan said the council has charged City Administrator James Archambo to recommend areas where productivity gains and cost savings could be realized. When it comes to looking for these aspects in the Fire Department, it goes beyond the knowledge of the aldermen.
“Unless you really think you know how to run a fire department, you better follow that lead,” Donegan said.
Looking at the numbers
When it comes to recommending a review, city administrators look at “benchmarks” to see if Wauwatosa falls outside the norms when compared with like communities. Archambo provided statistics that show Fire Department employees are paid higher than average and staffing levels are higher based on the city’s population.
Donegan said he was interested in hearing the consultants’ take on the department’s command structure because nearly half the staff — seven chiefs, nine captains and 18 lieutenants — is managers.
For Alderwoman Jill Organ, the mere size of the department — which makes up about a quarter of the city’s total operating budget — makes them a good target for review.
“I don’t feel like we’re picking on the Fire Department,” she said.
About a year ago, the city started a practice of reviewing every position that is vacated before making a new hire. When it comes to management-level departures, the entire department will go under the microscope.
Earlier this year, Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Hevey left the department, which sparked the talk of a department review, Archambo said.
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