Date: 8 September, 2020
To: Village of Maple Bluff Residents
From: Maple Bluff Fire / EMS Committee
Subject: Impact of Referendum on Village Services
Introduction
The goal of this communication is to provide you, Village residents, with information to make an informed decision regarding the upcoming referendum. Included in this discussion is where we are, how we got here, what we have done to date, and what we envision for the future.
Our Current Situation
The Village of Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department (MBFD) is a combination fire service, meaning that it is staffed by career and volunteer firefighters. In addition to firefighting, MBFD provides first-responder emergency medical services (EMS). In fact, more than 90% of calls for service are for medical emergencies. The State of Wisconsin requires that EMS providers meet a minimum staffing requirement of 2 qualified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) 24/7. Over the past few years, staffing during daytime hours (M-F, 9-5) has become increasingly difficult as our volunteers and interns are busy with work and school. To maintain our EMS qualification, MBFD staffing strategies have included a combination of overtime, part-time, and a limited number of volunteer staffing.
How We Got Here
The decommissioning of the Maple Bluff – Burke – Blooming Grove EMS District in 2011 resulted in a vacant Firefighter / EMT (FF/EMT) position. At that time, the decision was made to not fill that vacancy with a full-time FF/EMT. Rather, it was decided to staff that vacancy with a combination of part-time and volunteer FF/EMTs. Over the past few years, that staffing model has become increasingly unworkable and our full-time officers have been covering open shifts with overtime hours. The inability to secure part-time and volunteer staff, especially during weekday hours, has dramatically increased staff overtime in recent years.
Steps Taken
The Village budgeting process includes a comprehensive review of staffing and budgets for each department. From this review, village staff developed a series of options to meet our performance and financial objectives. The challenge of meeting FF/EMT staffing was addressed. MBFD staff then developed a comprehensive report on FF/EMT staffing. The Fire/EMS committee then met to review the current situation and make recommendations as to how to best meet our needs as we move forward. After a thoughtful deliberation, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Village fill the vacant FF/EMT position with a full-time duty officer. This recommendation was then forwarded to the Village Board for action.
The Impact of the Referendum
An increase in the levy-limit, provided through this referendum, will allow filling the vacant position and allow MBFD the ability to provide reliable and qualified EMS coverage to village residents 24/7. Through a better balance of staffing, we can provide necessary support to our volunteers and interns, reduce overtime, and the ability to
dedicate staff time to training, and other important initiatives.
What We Need From You
We ask that you become informed and actively engage village staff, board members, and committee members in your decision-making process. And most importantly, we ask that you exercise your right and responsibility.
Thank you,
Carl Vieth
Chair - Maple Bluff Fire / EMS Committee
