Village of Rochester Fire & EMS Referendum FAQ
August 11, 2026 Referendum Election
The Village of Rochester is asking residents to consider a referendum related to funding Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at current service levels. Below are answers to common questions about the referendum.
What is the Fire & EMS Referendum?
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.
Why is the referendum being proposed?
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
What is driving the increase in costs?
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.
How have revenues changed?
- 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
Why can’t the Village stay within current tax limits?
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
Is this due to a budget deficit?
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.
Has the Village already used reserves?
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.
What will appear on the ballot?
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.
What happens if voters approve (“YES”)?
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
What would it cost taxpayers?
Estimated annual impact:
- $23.09 per $100,000 of assessed value
- Example: $400,000 home = $92.36 per year
(Actual amounts may vary slightly.)
What happens if voters reject (“NO”)?
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
How would the funds be used?
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.
Is this a one-time increase?
No. This is an ongoing increase beginning in 2027 to provide stable funding
Is this a permanents solution?
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
How can I learn more?
- 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
- CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION
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