Park Ridge votes 2:1 to keep fire department

By Brandi Makuski

Villagers in Park Ridge voted 2:1 in a Tuesday referendum to keep its fire department.

Residents were asked to provide guidance on the future of PRFD based on three options provided by village leadership: rebuilding its fire department and purchasing newer, used firetrucks; purchasing a custom-built pump-truck to fit inside its existing firehouse; or dissolving the fire department and contracting fire services with the City of Stevens Point. 

With a little under 60 percent of voter turnout, 89 people voted for the custom pump-truck option. Dissolving the fire dept. garnered 74 votes, while building a new fire station earned 45 votes. 

The option will cost about $64 per $100,000 of assessed value per property owner annually, over a 10-year period, according to the village.

The referendum is advisory in nature, meaning village leaders aren’t required to act upon the results.