The referendum asks voters whether the Village should be allowed to exceed the State-imposed property tax levy limit by $140,000 on an ongoing basis to continue funding fire protection and EMS at current levels.

Village officials have determined that current fire and EMS service levels cannot be sustained without additional revenue or reductions in other services.

Key contributing factors:

• Property tax levy limits
• Rising personnel costs
• Increased training and operational expenses
• New State-mandated EMS provider fees
• Declining rescue revenues

Staffing Changes

Like many volunteer departments nationwide, RVFC (the Rochester Volunteer Fire Company) has experienced:

• Declining volunteer participation
• Increased certification requirements
• Higher 911 call volume

To maintain service, RVFC began adding paid daytime staff in 2010. As a result, the compensation budget increased from $12,800 (2010) to $282,580 (2026).

State EMS Fees

Beginning in 2025, new state EMS provider fees added approximately $25,000 annually in administrative costs.

• Since 2020, annual rescue revenues have declined by $18,000
• Property tax levy increases have averaged only about $13,963 per year, which must be shared across all Village services

Between 2020-2026:

• Property tax levy growth has averaged +1.72% annually (~$14,000)
• Inflation rates (CPI) have averaged +3.98% annually
• Fire and EMS cost increases have averaged +10.81% annually (~$27,000)

At the same time, the Village must fund many other services, including:

• Street maintenance and snowplowing
• Parks and library services
• Building maintenance and insurance
• Administration and other public safety functions

Yes. Over time, RVFC Fire & EMS fund balances have significantly declined:

• Fire Protection Fund: $87,890 (2016) → $6,359 (2025)
• EMS Fund: $94,264 → -$10,760

The fire company has relied on reserves and fundraising to cover ongoing losses.

Yes.

• A $101,000 increase in taxpayer support was needed for the 2026 budget
• This was made possible by drawing down reserves

For 2027, an additional $39,000 is projected to balance the budget. Officials note that continued reliance on reserves is not sustainable.

Voters will be asked whether to allow the Village to exceed levy limits by $140,000 (10.302%) beginning in 2027 and on an ongoing basis to fund Fire & EMS services.

A “YES” vote would:

• Increase the property tax levy by $140,000 permanently
• Maintain current Fire & EMS staffing:

• • 1 full-time Fire Chief
  • 1 full-time Paramedic
  • Part-time daytime staff (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM)
  • Continued volunteer coverage at other times

Estimated annual impact:

• $23.09 per $100,000 of assessed value
• Example: $400,000 home = $92.36 per year

(Actual amounts may vary slightly.)

A “NO” vote means the Village must stay within current limits, which may require:

• Reduced Fire/EMS service levels
• Cuts to other municipal services
• Continued (unsustainable) reserve use
• Possible new fees or fee increases

Funds would be used only for Fire & EMS operations, including:

• Staffing and wages
• Training and certification
• Equipment and daily operations
• Emergency response services

Note: Major equipment purchases (e.g., fire trucks) are funded separately.

No. This is an ongoing increase beginning in 2027 to provide stable funding

No. The funding is expected to stabilize operations for about five years.

During that time, the Village plans to explore cost-saving measures, including:

• Transitioning the Fire Company into a Village department
• Potentially eliminating state EMS fees and reducing administrative costs

• Residents are encouraged to:
• Attend Village Board meetings
• Review Village newsletters and website updates
• Watch for informational mailings
• Follow official Village and Fire Company communications

Election Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Polling Location: Village Hall 300 W. Spring St.
Poll Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
For absentee or early voting options, visit: myvote.wi.gov