Public Safety Informational Meeting — Agenda Packet

PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATIONAL MEETING July 21, 2026 - 6:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers 3805 S. Casper Dr. Published: 7/17/2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING AND POSSIBLE QUORUM MEETING PURPOSE: The purpose of this meeting is to provide information regarding the proposed Public Safety Referendum, including an overview of the City's public safety needs, funding proposal, and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. Rubina R. Medina New Berlin City Clerk Please Note: A. This meeting is being held for informational purposes only. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information regarding the Public Safety Referendum and to answer questions from attendees. The meeting will consist of a presentation followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion. No formal action will be taken. B. A quorum of the Common Council and potentially a quorum of other governmental bodies of the City may be present for the purpose of receiving information. No action will be taken by any governmental body during this informational meeting. C. With reasonable notice, accommodations will be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities through appropriate aids and services. For more information or to request assistance, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (262) 786-8610. Page 1 of 3 PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION MEETINGS Strategic Planning for Reliable Police, Fire, and EMS Services WHY ARE WE HERE?MEETING PURPOSE The City of New Berlin is evaluating future public safety staffing needs as part of its Long Range Strategic Public Safety Plan. These meetings provide factual information about community growth, public safety service demands, financial considerations, and the referendum process before any decision is made by the Common Council. These meetings are intended to provide factual information. No referendum question has been approved by the Common Council at this time. ! FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS • State levy limits restrict growth • Inflation and increased costs • Long-term planning to maintain services PROPOSED PUBLIC SAFETY INVESTMENT FIRE DEPARTMENT 12 Firefighter/Paramedics 1 Division Chief 3 Captain Promotions (Previously approved but unfunded) POLICE DEPARTMENT 3 Police Officers 2 PT Police Service Aides 1 Contracted Crisis Worker ESTIMATED ANNUAL INVESTMENT $3.12 MILLION PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING DATES MONDAY JULY 13, 2026 6:00 - 7:00 PM TUESDAY JULY 21, 2026 6:00 - 7:00 PM CITY HALL Council Chambers 3805 S. Casper Drive New Berlin, WI 53151 City of New Berlin | Public Safety Information | July 2026 | newberlinwi.gov/referendum Page 1 of 2 SCAN TO LEARN MORE COMMUNITY GROWTH • Residential & commercial growth • Aging population • Daytime population continues to grow FIRE & EMS DEMAND • EMS demand continues to rise • Overlapping incidents • Staffing needs to maintain response times & safety POLICE DEMAND • High calls for service • Extensive training requirements • Staffing challenges & succession planning JULY 13 JULY 21 These meetings explain how community growth, service demands, financial considerations, and state levy limits are shaping future public safety planning. Page 2 of 3 City of New Berlin | Public Safety Information | July 2026 | newberlinwi.gov/referendum Page 2 of 2 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW STRONG FINANCIAL FOUNDATION The City of New Berlin maintains a Aaa bond rating through responsible financial management. RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL PLANNING Long-range planning helps ensure the City remains financially strong for the future. LIMITED BUDGET FLEXIBILITY Most of the budget supports essential services, leaving limited flexibility for significant reductions. STATE LEVY LIMITS Annual property tax revenue increases are restricted by state law, making it difficult to keep pace with costs. ESTIMATED PROPERTY TAX IMPACT Personnel $2,948,349 + = WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? JULY 13 & JULY 21 Public Information Meetings Learn about community needs, staffing, and financial considerations. LEARN MORE & STAY INFORMED Visit newberlinwi.gov/referendum email CitizenComments@newberlin.org Equipment $173,800 Total Annual Investment $3,122,149 $41.60 per $100,000 of assessed value Average Home (Assessed Value $375,246) $156 / year $13 / month AUGUST 13 Common Council Discussion Council is expected to consider whether to place a referendum question on the November ballot. IF APPROVED BY COMMON COUNCIL Placed on November Ballot A referendum questions would appear on the November 3, 2026, ballot for voter consideration. NOVEMBER 3, 2026 Voter Decision Residents will decide whether to approve the public safety referendum. YOUR INPUT MATTERS We encourage all residents to attend, ask questions, and stay informed as we plan for the future of New Berlin’s public safety services. Presentation slides, FAQs, recordings, and updates Page 3 of 3