Village to Host Community Information Sessions in Advance of April 7th Referendum

The Village of Weston Board of Trustees approved placing a referendum question on the April 7, 2026, spring election ballot regarding staffing needs for the South Area Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) District.

The SAFER District was created in 2014, as a partnership between the Village of Weston and Village of Rib Mountain. Since creation, the department’s staffing numbers have remained consistent, while the call volume has significantly increased.

Under current state law, the Village’s increase for the 2027 fiscal year is limited to 0% or net new construction, which for 2025 was 2.293%, resulting in a maximum allowable levy of $8,670,828. The referendum will ask voters whether the Village should be permitted to exceed this limit and increase the levy by a total of 6.92% for fiscal year 2027, resulting in a levy of $9,270,282.

The proposed increase would be used to fund the Village of Weston’s share of SAFER costs to hire and retain six additional full-time firefighter/paramedics. If approved, the levy would include an ongoing increase of $600,000 annually in each future fiscal year.

The first informational session will be held next week on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with informational presentation at 12:00 p.m. The presentation portion of the session will be recorded and made available on the Village's website and YouTube channel. Click below for additional information and FAQs.