05/23/2026
The May 26 Committee of the Whole and Common Council meeting agendas and supporting materials are now available on the City’s Meeting & Agenda Portal.
One of the discussion items is for staff to receive guidance from the Common Council regarding a potential Public Safety Referendum.
The New Berlin Police and Fire Departments have identified staffing and operational considerations related to growing service demands, staffing sustainability, response capabilities, and long-term public safety planning.
A public safety referendum would ask voters whether they approve an increase to the City’s annual property tax levy to support police and fire services. If the Common Council decides to move forward, voters would be presented with a ballot question at the November 3, 2026, Election and would vote either “yes” or “no” on the proposed measure.
At the May 26 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Finance Department will provide an overview of preliminary financial projections, estimated levy impacts, and possible funding scenarios related to a potential public safety referendum. The New Berlin Police and Fire Departments will also present information regarding current operational needs, staffing considerations, service demands, and proposed staffing requests for Council review and discussion.
The Council is not expected to approve a referendum question at this meeting. Before any referendum question could appear on the ballot, the Common Council would need to take future formal action to approve a specific ballot question for voters to consider.
Supporting documents that will be discussed during the meeting, including Police and Fire Department operational information, staffing considerations, service demands, and preliminary budget information, are included within the agenda packet beginning on page 21 and may be reviewed by the public here: https://newberlinwi.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1795/files/agenda/6215
The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear the presentations and discussion in person. The meeting will also be streamed live on the City website, and a recording will be available shortly following the meeting.
Residents are encouraged to review the supporting materials and listen to the presentations and discussion regarding the potential referendum item.
Residents may also submit comments or feedback to [email protected]. Submitted comments will be forwarded to the Mayor and Common Council.
Residents who wish to speak may also participate during Privilege of the Floor at the Common Council meeting.