Ambulance fee hike is still an issue for Muskego

On a split vote, with one notable opponent, the Muskego Public Safety Committee on Wednesday night recommended a 12 percent increase in ambulance fees the Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department can charge.

Alderman Kert Harenda said today that he cast the lone vote against the proposed hike because data showing why the additional money is needed still was not provided.

Harenda said he wanted hard data supporting the need for a jump of that size.

Acknowledging that the ambulance fees have not gone up since 2007, Harenda said the increase might well be justified but that he wants due diligence in the process leading to final approval. One aspect he would like discussed is why New Berlin's ambulance rate is less than Muskego's, while New Berlin supplies its own paramedics and Muskego does not.

The proposed hike will go to the Common Council on Jan. 10. Harenda said he hopes the specific questions that he emailed to the fire department will be answered at the meeting.