New Berlin, Wisconsin Development News

New Berlin Considers Public Safety Referendum for Increased Police and Fire Staffing

The City of New Berlin is considering placing a public safety referendum on the ballot to fund increased staffing for the police and fire departments. The proposed referendum aims to address long-standing staffing needs, increased call volumes, and evolving service demands. The fire department requests funding for 12 additional firefighter paramedics, one division chief of training, and three captain promotions to improve response times and coverage. The police department seeks funding for three additional police officers, one embedded crisis worker, and two police service aides to manage increasing mental health calls, fraud, and critical incidents, while also addressing recruitment and retention challenges. The financial implications include an estimated annual tax impact of $41.60 per $100,000 of assessed property value, totaling approximately $156 for the average home. The Common Council is set to decide in August whether to put the question to voters in November.