By Dave Umhoefer
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin)
Copyright 2006 Journal Sentinel Inc.
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker said Monday he will not propose a cut in payments next year to municipalities that participate in the county-coordinated paramedics program.
Walker said he was backing off on his controversial earlier suggestion that he might cut $3 million from the county’s $5.8 million contribution. That portion goes to participating municipalities for medical supplies and rig maintenance. He had cited the county’s budget squeeze and portrayed the payments as an overly generous subsidy.
Some municipal officials and fire chiefs have protested the idea, and County Board supervisors were united in opposition to any reduction.
Walker said the organized political opposition had not influenced him. Rather, he said, the timing was wrong because municipalities are doing their budgets now and need to know the fate of the payments. Walker also said senior citizens had told him they were worried about the quality of the service if funding were trimmed.
The issue will be revisited by county officials early next year, as part of new contracts with municipalities, Walker said.
Franklin mayor applauds
Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor said the decision was good news, considering that Walker is proposing major cuts in other county-funded programs, including parks and aquatics.
Taylor said suburban officials had emphasized with Walker that any reduction in quality of paramedic care could result in deaths, compared with the less-serious consequences tied to reductions in other county programs.
The paramedic program is considered a national model in regional cooperation.
Taylor said it has worked so well that residents take it for granted.
West Allis Mayor Jeannette Bell had protested that Walker’s suggested cut would only force local municipalities to raise taxes or abandon their paramedic programs.
Walker will unveil his 2007 budget proposal Thursday.