FDL City Council Looking at Possible Public Safety Referendum

The Fond du Lac City Council is exploring its options on
how to respond to the need for additional police officers and firefighters in
the city. Both the City of Fond du Lac Police Department and Fond du Lac Fire
and Rescue have seen an increase in calls for service over the last several
years, and the council was informed of the need for additional staff during
budget presentations over the summer. City Council President Brian Kolstad
tells us one option the council is looking at is placing a referendum on the
ballot next November. That referendum would ask voters to approve exceeding
revenue caps to add additional public safety personnel. Kolstad says the
council is taking their time in making a decision on what step to take. “We’re
going to take our time of this, we’re going to get as much information as we
can and we’re going to make sure that we’re only asking for what we truly need,”
Kolstad said. “I think, in the end, its going to be worth it to make sure that
we have the right public safety staffing for our community.” If a referendum is
added to the ballot, it’s expected to be for $1 million.