(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission is directing the fire chief to reach out to a non-profit research group in his efforts to construct a second fire station. Chief Alan Mannel says the station is needed on the city’s northside, along with additional personnel. In March, the common council approved spending up to $15-thousand dollars on a study, but the bids came back over-budget. Mannel attributes the increase to the escalating scope of the study, added by the city council when funding was approved. Mannel asked the PFC Tuesday night to consider reducing the scope of the study to its original parameters.
PFC Commissioner John Oathout expressed concerns about the city paying for a facility study at the same time Dodge County is exploring EMS staffing shortages countywide, a process that could possibly lead to the regionalization of some emergency entities years from now.
Mayor Becky Glewen suggested asking the non-profit Wisconsin Policy Forum to explore the city’s needs. According to their website, the independent policy research group provides “informed analysis of critical policy issues and data-driven solutions for local governments, school districts, and the state.” Mannel agreed, somewhat reluctantly, that it would be prudent to reach out to the non-partisan entity.
If there is a cost for the services of the Wisconsin Policy Forum, PFC Chair Jeff Kohman noted that the fire department already has $15-thousand dollars earmarked for a study.
If the county commissions a study on EMS staffing shortages, it would be later this year or possibly even next year before the study is completed. Issues with staffing volunteer EMS agencies are not isolated to the area. Dodge County Emergency Management Director Amy Nehls says it’s a growing problem across the country.
