funding THE MHAJFD
The eight municipalities we serve formed together under the Fire Protection and Rescue Service Agreement in 1979 to create the currently named Mount Horeb Area Joint Fire Department. After final approval of the annual Department budget each September, the budgeted sum is raised by each of the municipalities upon the equalized valuation of the properties within the area served by the MHAJFD.
Our 2027 proposed budget responds to personnel wage increases and the rising cost of repairs and utilities. We have also requested an additional $10,000 for our shared points system; these points convert to dollars in December to reward our volunteer firefighters, some of whom respond to hundreds of calls each year.
Our Fire and EMS ranks include 92 members, 10 of whom are full-time staff. In addition to responding to calls, we perform fire safety inspections and reviews of businesses, teach Fire and EMS public education, attend training on ever-changing skills, along with many additional assignments on behalf of our community.
A 5.1% increase was requested for 2027, for a total of $84,500 divided amongst our municipalities. This document covers all category proposals made before the annual budget meeting vote, including additions and subtractions. Fire District Board meetings take place in the Public Safety Building every other month on the third Wednesday at 7:30PM (January, March, May, July, September, November), with committees meeting on an as-needed basis.
The annual budget meeting and vote will take place on September 23, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.