GRAFTON, Wis. — The 9-month-old Ozaukee Central Fire Department is facing a budget impasse after the Town of Grafton voted down the proposed budget increase.

The consolidated department has served both the towns and villages of Grafton and Saukville since the beginning of the year . The department requires approval from all four entities to pass its annual budget.

Village, Town of Grafton residents divided as Town rejects fire department budget

The Town of Grafton recently rejected the proposal, citing a lack of flexibility in the budget to afford the proposed, roughly 17% increase, about $135,000, according to Town Chairman Lester Bartel.

"The town was asked to put in too much," town resident Ruth Roblee said. "We're out in the town, so we don't have fire hydrants and things, so we

See Full Page