Referendum
Public Safety Referendum
On April 1, 2025, Racine voters will decide on a $1.5 million annual property tax levy increase to maintain nine Paramedic/EMT positions currently funded by a temporary federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.
Why Is This Referendum Needed?
The SAFER grant funding expires in spring 2026, leaving the City without the budget to sustain full fire/EMS staffing. Meanwhile, emergency call volume continues to rise due to an aging population, increased 911 usage for non-emergencies, and growing mental health crises. Without additional funding, longer response times and reduced emergency service capacity will impact the community.
Critical Staffing Needs
For years, the Racine Fire Department has been staffed by 141 full-time staff. During the pandemic, budget constraints led to staff reductions, but grant funding temporarily restored nine Paramedic/EMT positions.
In 2024, calls for emergency services were requested 12,514 times – a 50% increase since 2005 – while staffing has remained the same.
If approved, the referendum would secure funding to retain the nine full-time Paramedic/EMT positions that had been temporarily funded through SAFER grants. Without it, the department will face staffing cuts, leading to longer response times and reduced emergency service capacity.
Impact on the Community
While the City is working to address long-term challenges—such as improving 911 education and increasing community health resources—emergency services must remain fully staffed to meet demand.
Tax Impact
If approved, the referendum would increase property taxes by $31 per year ($0.60 per week) per $100,000 of assessed home value, starting with your December 2025 property tax bill.
This increase would fund the nine positions temporarily funded through SAFER grants, which will help ensure that Racine residents receive the Paramedic/EMT service response they need.
Learn More
Resources that provide additional details about the referendum are linked below:
Attend a Community Listening Session
The City of Racine will host community listening sessions in March to provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the need for the referendum and to ask questions of local officials.
- Tuesday, March 11 – 5:30 p.m. at Humble Park Community Center, 2200 Blaine Avenue
- Tuesday, March 18 – 5:30 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2221 Douglas Avenue
Election Day: Tuesday, April 1
Racine voters can cast their vote in one of three ways: through absentee mail-in ballots, early in-person voting at City Hall or one of the designated Community Centers, or in-person voting on Election Day, April 1, 2025.
- You may request an absentee ballot be mailed to you until 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
- In-person early voting will take place at the following locations, dates, and times:
- City Hall, 730 Washington Avenue:
- Tuesday, March 18 – Friday, March 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 29 – Sunday, March 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Tyler-Domer Community Center, 230 12th Street:
- Tuesday, March 18 – Friday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Humble Park Community Center, 220 Blaine Avenue:
- Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cesar Chavez Community Center and Douglas Park, 2221 Douglas Avenue:
- Tuesday, March 18 – Friday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- John Bryant Community Center, 601 Caron Butler Drive:
- Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- City Hall, 730 Washington Avenue:
- On April 1, all polling places will open at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m. Wisconsin voters are required to show an acceptable photo ID in order to vote.
For comprehensive information on polling locations and absentee ballot requests, please visit MyVote Wisconsin.
Questions?
Email the City of Racine at RFD_Info@cityofracine.org with any questions or feedback.
