Failed bill would let towns form shared emergency services districts

Two or more cities, villages, or towns could form a district to provide fire protection, emergency medical services, or both. A municipality joining a district would have to include all its territory, and that territory could be in only one district. A district could serve a nonmember municipality under a contract. Each participating municipality would need to adopt resolutions showing mutual intent to form the district and approve an agreement covering board membership and listed issues. The district would have to begin providing services on January 1 of the year after its board members are elected.

A district could raise money through a property tax, service fees, or borrowing for capital improvements. These powers would apply to a district and the services or facilities it provides. The property tax could rise each year only by the district's valuation factor under the town levy limit rules. A fee could replace the property tax only if voters in every member municipality approve it, and fee revenue could not exceed the amount collected from the property tax in its last year.

A district board would govern the district, while a veto panel could block certain board actions during the district's first five years. The panel would include the chief executive of each municipality in the district and could review only issues listed in the municipalities' agreement. The municipalities would have to list veto issues in their agreement. At least half of the panel members would have to object in writing within 10 days after receiving notice; the board could override a veto with a two-thirds vote. The veto panel would be required for the first five years after the district is created.