Weston board approves referendum language to exceed levy limits to fund six firefighters, 5–2

The Village of Weston Board of Trustees voted Feb. 16 to authorize referendum language that would ask voters to exceed state levy limits by $600,000 annually to fund the SAFER program and add six full‑time firefighters and paramedics.

President Maloney introduced resolution 2026‑006 describing the referendum question and the levy‑limit amount. "A resolution authorizing an official referendum and related question language for exceeding the state of Wisconsin levy limits in the amount of $600,000 on an ongoing basis for the purpose of SAFER, adding 6 additional full time firefighters and paramedics," the board recorded in the meeting packet.

During the roll call on the resolution, Trustee Barb said she supported having a referendum but not the $600,000 figure and registered a no vote on that basis. Trustee Joel also voted no. The chair announced the motion passed 5–2.

The action authorizes staff to place the referendum question language on the ballot for voter consideration; it does not itself appropriate funds. Next steps are administration and clerks preparing the referendum materials and any necessary ballot language as prescribed by municipal procedures and state law.