The committee formed to look at how to move forward with a new fire station for the Owen-Withee Curtiss Fire & EMS District met on Wednesday, March 11. They discussed funding opportunities. They could get money from BCPL (Board of Commissioners of Public Lands), but that would be a General Obligation Bond, not a loan. It would be secured by the federal government. They would have to levy taxes to make the payments. It is capped at 20 years. It would cost each municipality about $18,000 per year not including interest. But the interest paid would go back into library funding.
Committee member Bob Wilczek had done some numbers. For a $3.5 million project, with a 15% grant, selling the current building for $250,000, and having a loan term of 30 years at 4.25% interest from the USDA, it would cost each of the eight municipalities approximately $8,000-$9,000 per year for the payment.
If they went through the USDA, it would be possible to get a loan over 30-40 years, with a possible 15% grant. They have also been communicating with staff in Senator Tammy Baldwin’s office about a possible Federal Appropriation. This is part of Congressionally Directed Spending. They were told that if they decide to apply, they should apply for the entire amount. The District was told it didn’t even meet the requirements to apply for the Innovation Grant, which would have been 100% funded.
Committee chair Dan Goessl asked if there might come a time when they would have to merge with another district. Wilczek said he doesn’t want them to remove the second story even if they don’t finish the interior right away. Committee member Jason Thornton said the USDA funding would be more manageable for the District and still allow them to be able to meet future equipment needs.
There was discussion of whether they should invite the public to a meeting about the project. Fire Chief Travis Serocki gave an example of a Power Point that Beaver Dam had used for information sessions. It was suggested that maybe something could be created to run during the Pork Dinner that is coming up. Serocki said the information is already in the community. Committee member Art Petke felt that the taxpayers have elected the board to represent them and make decisions. He wasn’t sure they needed to go back to the community.
The question is what is the next step? Petke suggested using $3.5 million as their number and the building plan they already have. Goessl felt they could cut back if they don’t get the funding. There was a question of whether they should have a joint meeting with the Clark County Law Enforcement Committee to see if they still want to participate.
They decided to send information to Tammy Baldwin’s office and also to start the process for the USDA, but they do need to know what the Sheriff’s Department intends to do.
The full Fire District will meet on April 22. The committee will meet again before that if needed.