Greenfield Could See Change in Paramedic Services

The City of Greenfield could soon see a change in its paramedic services.

According to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele wants to eliminate a $3 million subsidy that is paid to local municipal fire departments, including approximately $250,000 to Greenfield, for paramedic services.

Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke told Greenfield Patch that he and other municipal leaders have been working on contingency plans over the last six months in anticipation of possible changes to or the elimination of the county payments.

"We'll figure it out," Neitzke said.

Neitzke said some communities such as Greendale and Hales Corners do not have paramedic services and rely on neighboring communities that do. But without county support, those communities with the service will be under no obligation to provide it to those without.

"But we want to be a good neighbor," Neitzke said. "We won't leave our neighbors high and dry."

Neitzke said based on the county's projected $55 million shortfall, he's not surprised of the proposed cut.

"While everyone is doing the best that they can to keep (the program) going, it's pretty clear that it can't," he said.

"The program is a symptom of the financial straits that the county is in, in my opinion," Neitzke added. "The only responsible course of action would be the intelligent, unwinding of services associated with the existing county government and planning for the ultimate day when county government doesn't exist."