Assembly Bill 1188 proposes the establishment of emergency services districts in Wisconsin, allowing two or more municipalities to jointly create a separate political subdivision dedicated to providing fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS). The bill outlines the procedures for forming such districts, including the requirement for municipalities to adopt enabling resolutions and agreements on governance, board member apportionment, and service delivery. The districts will have the authority to levy property taxes, impose special charges, and issue debt to fund their operations. Additionally, municipalities that join these districts will be exempt from certain maintenance of effort certification requirements.

The bill also details the governance structure of the emergency services districts, including the election of a district board with staggered terms and the establishment of a board of emergency services commissioners. It mandates that employees from the sponsoring municipalities be offered positions within the district, ensuring continuity of service. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for revenue generation through property taxes and fees, as well as mechanisms for district expansion, withdrawal, and dissolution. Notably, the bill introduces new legal language regarding the election of emergency services district board members and the creation of separate ballots for these elections.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 5.02(21), 5.02