Wisconsin Rapids fire chief defends ladder truck and EMS costs at budget hearing
Wisconsin Rapids residents questioned fire and EMS spending at the 2027 budget hearing, where Fire Chief Goudreau said the city's 1993 ladder truck was out of service more days than it was in service last year and mutual-aid payments cover paramedic costs.
The Wisco Wire · November 15, 2026 · Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Fire and EMS spending drew questions from Wisconsin Rapids residents and council members during discussion of the proposed 2027 city budget.
Much of the discussion focused on replacing the fire department's aging ladder truck. Fire Chief Goudreau said the current truck dates to 1993.
Goudreau said the truck had been out of service more days than it was in service last year. Repairs over the past year and into this year cost roughly six figures.
The cost of serving neighboring communities was also questioned. Goudreau said mutual-aid payments cover the city's paramedic costs.
A council member disputed whether the mutual-aid contracts benefit Wisconsin Rapids, leaving the value of the arrangements part of the ongoing budget debate.
