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Newsletter Article

02/04/2025 in Government

Due to a formatting error, the following article was not included in the most recent newsletter.

Emergency Management / Enforcement Officer
By Bradley Bautz

I want to take a moment to highlight some of the work done over the past year. There has been new town legislation and agreements to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of the Town. I have been working to ensure we are safe, prepared, and well-positioned for the future.

1. Hartford Intermunicipal Agreement

  • I was on the negotiating team for the town that secured a new 20-year agreement with the City of Hartford.
  • The previous 20-year agreement, which I also helped negotiate, expired last year.
  • This agreement protects the town from any potential annexation and loss of town land, and the city adoption of our zoning ordinances within three miles of the border.
  • The city will continue providing fire protection and paramedic-level EMS service.
  • The funding formula for fire/rescue services was adjusted, moving from being based on equalized value to being tied to the CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers), which offers more stability in funding, hopefully eliminating yearly 20%+ increases.

2. Richfield Fire Contract

  • Following the dissolution of the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company, the village has taken over its fire/rescue services, creating the Richfield Fire Department.
  • Village residents approved a new referendum to provide additional funding for added personnel.
  • A one-year contract was signed to continue the relationship between the town and the newly municipalized department, which now serves all of the Village of Richfield and part of Erin with paramedic-level EMS service.

3. ATV/UTV Ordinance

  • The town board approved an ordinance to allow ATV/UTVs on town roads.
  • Specific regulations apply, including driver age and licensing requirements, insurance, operational hours, speed limits, restrictions on cruising, and open intoxicants.
  • The ordinance will be periodically reviewed for adjustments.
  • We tried to strike a balance between recreation and safety with clear guidelines for residents.
  • It will not be valid until the roads are posted with signs.

4. U.S. Women’s Open (May 28 – June 1)

  • Ongoing planning efforts continue for the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament, including coordination with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement and other agencies for traffic and security.
  • The event will require extensive cooperation between local, state, and federal entities.

5. Emergency Operations Plan

  • Following the US Open, I hope to start updating the town’s Emergency Operations Plan, with input from community stakeholders to ensure preparedness for various emergencies.

6. Washington County Hazard Mitigation Plan

  • The town board adopted an updated county hazard mitigation plan, which will continue the eligibility for federal grants and other disaster relief programs.

7. Animal Ordinance

  • The town adopted a new animal ordinance to address licensing issues, dangerous animals, and other concerns that were either not covered by county code or required referral to the county.
  • Every dog over five months old is required to be licensed with the Town.

If you are interested in assisting in any way, please contact me. My goal is a thriving and safe community here in the town. Have a safe and happy spring.

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