Fitchburg District 4 Listening Session

On June 30, 2026, the City of Fitchburg held a two-hour listening session for District 4 at an unspecified location. Mayor Julia Ratafrata led the meeting, joined by District 4 Alders Micah La Douce and Jake Leper, City Traffic Engineer Ross Keller, and Fire Deputy Chief Chad Grossen. The first hour featured presentations on city updates, district projects, the Fish Hatchery Road reconstruction, and fire department operations. The second hour was open for public questions and comments. Approximately 36,197 residents live in Fitchburg, which has grown from 26,000 in 2015 to over 36,000 in 2025, including a 1,500-person annexation. The city’s equalized value is $6.7 billion, with a $47 million operational budget and a AAA bond rating. The median household income is $94,000, and the average home value is $504,000.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard (former council member): Questioned the legality of using tax incremental district (TID) funds solely for affordable housing, asserting that the state Department of Revenue does not mandate that use. Expressed skepticism about City Hall renovations costing $12 million, arguing the building was supposed to be sold. Opposed the wheel tax being used for non-transportation expenses.
• Carol: Criticized the failed 2024 referendum as poorly structured, noting that a public-safety-only referendum would have passed. Stated that public safety is the top priority and that the city has historically understaffed police and fire despite growth. Urged immediate funding for fire staffing rather than waiting for the 2027 budget.
• Resident (unidentified): Raised concerns about traffic safety on Schumann Drive (speeding, stop sign violations) and requested short-term traffic calming. Also noted that many drivers on that road are residents.
• Resident (unidentified): Asked about the fate of donated bricks at Kids Crossing playground; was told they would be preserved and incorporated into the new design.
• Resident (unidentified): Expressed worry about fire staffing reduction from 4 to 3 personnel per engine, citing overlapping calls and risk to firefighters. Called for using the city’s contingency fund to cover overtime for the rest of 2026.
• Resident (unidentified): Suggested that Fitchburg adopt a charter-based minimum staffing formula for public safety linked to population growth.
• Resident (unidentified): Emphasized that public safety includes affordable housing, reliable transit, and economic stability, not just police and fire. Asked for a 10-year plan for safe communities.
• Resident (spouse/mother of firefighters): Challenged the council to trust expert advice from fire chiefs rather than assuming they know better. Warned of potential lawsuits if firefighters are killed due to understaffing.
• Resident (unidentified): Proposed canceling a $300,000 tennis court contract (Wildwood/Swan Creek) to redirect funds to public safety. Claimed she found $70,000–$110,000 in property tax savings but was not asked for details.
• Resident (unidentified): Questioned the high cost of consultants for housing initiatives and the affordable housing fund. Demanded transparency on total consulting fees.
• Resident (unidentified): Suggested the city review all fee structures (permits, inspections) to ensure development costs are not subsidized by taxpayers, following the example of City Milton.
• Resident (unidentified): Asked why revenue from new development does not keep pace with service costs; was told levy limits cap net new construction growth.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s Citywide Update: The mayor presented demographic and financial data, noting a 2.7% unemployment rate and 2% annual population growth. She outlined her priorities: safe neighborhoods (including Healthy Neighborhoods program), housing investments ($10 million affordable housing fund from a TID closure), transit enhancements (BRT, Line 65/75 expansion), public safety staffing challenges, becoming a sustainable champion city, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. She acknowledged the failed 2024 referendum and described internal reorganizations (closing dispatch, merging departments) to save money. The mayor also introduced a new budget survey for residents.
• District 4 Update (Alder Micah La Douce): Highlighted upcoming playground replacements (Greenfield Park, Kids Crossing), tennis court resurfacing at Wildwood, new affordable senior apartments (80 units on Nesbitt Road), the Rowan apartment building, Gigi’s Playhouse opening in August, and the Quarry Ridge mountain bike progressive learning area. Noted that 49% of District 4 is farmland and stressed its importance in the comprehensive plan update.
• District 4 Update (Alder Jake Leper): Addressed TDS (utility) restoration issues in Seminole Forest and traffic concerns on Schumann Drive (city survey sent, exploring traffic calming). Mentioned storm sewer improvements on Schumann pending road reconstruction. Discussed resident interest in fundraising for an additional basketball hoop at Seminole Glen.
• Fire Department Update (Deputy Chief Chad Grossen): Reported 1,239 calls year-to-date (4.5% increase over 2025), with an average response time under 6 minutes. Staffing: 19 full-time, 21 paid-on-call, 7 support. One full-time member leaving but replacement approved. Explained that not all EMS calls get an engine response; high-priority calls get automatic dispatch. Current staffing model: 9 on shift (4 at each of two stations plus an officer). Cross-staffing means firefighters may switch apparatus. The department recently added three interns.
• Traffic Engineer Ross Keller: Presented the Fish Hatchery Road reconstruction project (Tonto Trail to Nesbitt Road roundabout), including a new roundabout at Lacey, multi-use path, buffered bike lanes, anti-flooding infrastructure, and sewer upgrades. Project delayed to spring 2027; utility work and tree clearing starting soon. Discussed Irish Lane road condition (rated 3-4 out of 10, pushed to 2030 due to grant timing). He noted that milling and overlay now would cost more long-term but is being considered. Also mentioned future traffic signals at Osmondson/McKee (2032) and Osmondson/Lacey (2037), dependent on traffic warrants. BRT will end at Triverton Pike and McKee; parking availability is not a major concern. Alternate-side parking may be replaced with a snow emergency system similar to Madison’s.
• Budget and Staffing Debate: Alder La Douce introduced the website FitchburgBudget.com, allowing residents to see how their tax dollars are spent per department. Alder Leper emphasized that the 2026 overtime budget was exhausted by May and that the fire chief proposed reducing engine staffing from 4 to 3 to control overtime. The mayor stated that finding money for fire staffing is her top priority for the 2027 budget. Several residents and council members debated whether the city should use contingency funds now rather than waiting. The mayor explained levy limit constraints: state law caps revenue increases to net new construction (projected 2.5% for 2027) while costs (health insurance up 8%, inflation 4.2%) outpace revenue. She noted that 85% of the budget goes to wages and benefits, leaving little flexibility.
• Teen Center: The mayor clarified that the teen center project (in the CIP at $3 million capital, plus $1.35 million building purchase) will not proceed until operational funding is secured. Discussions with Verona School District fell through due to declining enrollment. The city may need to return a $1 million county grant.
• EMS/Fire Consolidation Study: The mayor reported that a consultant is studying consolidation with six other municipalities (Oregon, Brooklyn, Monona, McFarland, Stoughton, Fitchburg). Results expected by end of 2026. She argued that consolidation could save capital costs long-term, though operating costs may not decrease immediately.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during the listening session.
• Budget Timeline Announced: July 28, 2026 – Council action on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); August 26 – Committee of the Whole on 2027 priorities; September 18 – Mayor’s proposed budget released; October 13 – Public hearing; October 14 – Amendments due; November 10 – Council adoption of 2027 budget.
• Survey Distribution: Printed budget surveys were circulated; an online version will be available. Results will inform the 2027 budget.
• Fire Staffing Reduction: The fire chief’s proposal to reduce engine staffing from 4 to 3 personnel was discussed as a short-term cost-saving measure. The mayor and council expressed commitment to restoring full staffing in the 2027 budget, but no immediate action was taken for 2026.
• Irish Lane Paving: The city is seriously considering a temporary mill-and-overlay (band-aid) paving to smooth the road until major reconstruction (pushed to 2030 or possibly 2035). Staff will evaluate costs.
• Comprehensive Plan Update: A consultant has been hired using TID closure funds. The plan will take 18 months, followed by a zoning code revision (total ~3 years). Community input sessions will be held.
• Teen Center Held: The project remains in the CIP but will not move forward without operational funding. The city will engage with potential partners (school district, YMCA) and address the county grant situation.
• Fire Department Intern Program: Three new interns were welcomed; the program is 51 years old and has produced many full-time staff.