| By Big Radio News Staff |
City of Whitewater voters will have a public safety referendum to vote on in April.
The city is seeking voter permission to levy an additional $1.3 million to hire five police officers, two firefighter/EMT’s and a dispatcher. The money would also be used to start a capital fund to buy equipment without having to borrow.
City manager John Weidl says the cost to the average taxpayer would be about $20 a month with small variations based on which county people live in.
Police Chief Dan Meyer says the city has taken steps to bolster the department before resorting to a referendum question.
He says the city budgeted for an additional detective in the current city budget. The department is also using money from video redaction and parking fees to convert a part-time records specialist position into a full-time one.
They also added license plate readers through grant funding to help with traffic enforcement and struck a deal with the Waukesha Police Department to provide access to its forensics lab. Meyer also said the department is working with political representatives to request a federal appropriation for an immigration liaison.
Despite those efforts, Meyer and Weidl say a referendum to hire more personnel is still needed.
The two highlighted a few key data points to illustrate that need:
- Call volume has increased 90% from 2008 levels, which is the last time the police department hired officers.
- Overtime hours are up 80% in 2024 compared to 2014.
- The police department is conducting half as many traffic stops as it did from 2010 to 2022.
Meyer says traffic stops are important to crime prevention because they help the department find intoxicated drivers, people with outstanding warrants and people carrying illegal drugs.
Meyer and Weidl say more information on the referendum is available through the city website by searching for “city of Whitewater referendum 2025” and that people can email ww2025@whitewater-wi.gov with questions. They also plan to organize public information sessions before voting begins.
Whitewater voters will be deciding on a $30 million school referendum in April, as well.
