News Details

October 16, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Oshkosh, Town of Algoma Complete Joint Fire & EMS Study
Upcoming meeting scheduled to review next steps

The City of Oshkosh and Town of Algoma have completed a joint study examining opportunities for collaboration in the delivery of fire and emergency medical services. Representatives from both communities will meet on Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m. at the Oshkosh Seniors Center to review the study findings and discuss potential next steps.

The City and Town jointly engaged McMahon Associates to evaluate current fire and EMS operations, service demand and response capacity, opportunities for shared services, and the long-term financial considerations associated with providing these critical services.

The October 22 meeting will provide an opportunity for representatives from both communities to hear the study findings together, ask questions and begin discussing what may make sense to explore further. No decisions have been made regarding changes to how fire or EMS services are provided.

The goal of this project is to evaluate whether a joint approach could help both communities continue providing the high-quality fire and EMS services residents expect while addressing increasing costs, service demands and other operational challenges.

Wisconsin’s municipal funding structure creates challenges for communities as the cost of providing essential services continues to increase. Municipal levy limits restrict the amount individual municipalities can increase their property tax levy, based largely on net new construction. A joint fire and/or EMS district may qualify for an exception to those levy limits, providing additional flexibility to support fire and EMS services.

The study also examines potential opportunities through Wisconsin’s Innovation Fund, which provides financial incentives for eligible local governments that transfer services to shared service arrangements.

“This is really about looking ahead and making sure we can continue to provide the level of fire and EMS service our residents expect as costs increase and we operate within the State’s levy limits,” said Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill. “A joint district provides additional levy flexibility, while also creating opportunities for State Innovation Fund support. This study provides a starting point for both organizations to better understand the options and what we should consider going forward.”

"Our departments have worked well together for many years and the report builds on that strong foundation," said Algoma Town Administrator Maggie Mahoney. "It looks at how we can move forward with confidence and find sustainable ways to continue to provide high-quality services for both communities."

The meeting will be open to the public. The Oshkosh Seniors Center South building is located at 200 N Campbell Road in Oshkosh. The meeting will take place in the Oasis room. For more information, contact the City Manager’s office at (920) 236-5002.