Nov. 26, 2024 12:35p
(WGTD)---A Racine City Council committee is recommending that an operational referendum be placed on the April ballot to fund firefighter positions.
Monday night's vote by the Finance and Personnel Committee was unanimous.
If the full council goes along, voters in Racine will be asked to permit the city to exceed state-mandated levy limits by $1.3 million.
The money would be used to cover the costs of nine firefighters who also double either as EMT’s or paramedics.
Grant money to fund those positions will soon run out.
Keeping the positions would allow the fire department to continue staffing each rescue squad with three, rather than two firefighters. It would also eliminate the need to send an engine company on calls with rescue squads in order to supply additional manpower.
Voter approval would mean a $53 a year increase on taxes for the owner of a $175,000 home.
Mayor Cory Mason is supporting the proposal.
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