Fiscal Note
Under this proposed resolution, extraordinary expenses resulting from mutual aid assistance for neighboring jurisdictions will be reviewed by the City Attorney and Risk Manager or their designees and recovered when appropriate. Fiscal impacts are hard to predict as costs may vary widely from case to case and there is limited historical precedent for attempting to recoup expenses. No City appropriation is required to implement this resolution.
Title
Assessing costs associated with mutual aid responses provided by Madison Police Department for the purposes of recouping extraordinary expenses.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison recognizes that mutual assistance is an essential element of public safety. When one municipality’s personnel and /or equipment are depleted, it is for the overall good of our collective communities that, when called upon, neighboring municipalities can provide the necessary support to keep people safe; and,
WHEREAS, Wis. Stats. § 66.0513 recognizes that when law enforcement officers are asked by other agencies to assist in performing police duties outside the limits of their jurisdiction, the cost of such a response shall be paid for by their employing law enforcement agency, but then shall be reimbursed by the political subdivision whose officer or agent requested the assistance; and,
WHEREAS, when matters of urgent public safety require Madison law enforcement officers to provide assistance outside of Madison consistent with that statute, the City of Madison is allowed by such law to recoup wage and disability payments, pension and worker’s compensation claims, damage to equipment and clothing and medical expenses arising out of such assistance; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison must continue to act with fiscal prudence and responsibility for all Madison taxpayers in all manner of operations; and,
WHEREAS, despite this State law, the City has rarely sought such reimbursement, as it has attempted to be a good neighbor...
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