GRAFTON, Wis. — The Ozaukee Central Fire Department will likely be forced to operate on its 2025 budget after missing a critical deadline of December 1 to approve its increased 2026 plan, with the Town of Grafton being the sole holdout among four participating governments.

Fire budget dispute divides Ozaukee communities

The department, formed by a combination of Saukville and Grafton to begin operations in 2025, needs approval from both the villages and towns of both communities to move forward with a proposed budget that calls for an 8.7% increase in total revenues .

The budget impasse centers on what constitutes a fair share of funding. Under the proposed budget, the town's contribution would rise by double the overall percentage increase - approximately 18.9%.

"If the town of Gr

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