NEWS RELEASE

HUDSON, WIS. – The City of Hudson has identified a need to hire full-time firefighters to improve service delivery and ensure reliable emergency responses. To help guide the City’s approach to funding fire department staff, Hudson residents will receive a community-wide survey in May. 

 

“Demand for emergency services is growing, but volunteer availability is declining. It’s more difficult for the Hudson Fire Department to have a rapid response to emergencies,” said Fire Chief Drew Spielman. “Community input will be critical in shaping a responsible path to hiring full-time staff.”

 

In April 2026, the City released a report outlining the need to transition to a more reliable, full-time Fire Department staffing model. The report recommends hiring 12 additional full-time staff while maintaining the paid-on-call program to supplement staffing. Read the report at https://www.hudsonfd.org/services-1 

 

Currently, the department relies heavily on paid-on-call firefighters, which can extend response times  when staff availability is limited. On average, it takes 16 minutes and 43 seconds for the first fire truck to arrive at emergency calls. 

The City of Hudson identified two primary funding options to invest in more reliable fire and emergency services:

 

• Pursue a referendum to exceed the state-imposed property tax levy limits by the amount needed for Fire Department operations. 

• Implement a municipal wheel tax to fund the City’s transportation-related costs, pivoting existing dollars to the Fire Department. 

 

After evaluating the options, it was determined that a wheel tax is likely not a viable path forward.

 

All households in the City will receive one mailed copy of the survey beginning the week of May 18. Please complete the survey online or return it by mail by June 8.

 

• Online: Each printed copy of the survey will include a unique code that allows residents to take the survey online. Log on to www.Survey2000.com and enter the unique survey code printed on your copy. Residents are encouraged to take the survey online to save on postage expenses.

 

• Paper: Return to City Hall or complete the hard copy survey received by mail and return it to Community Perceptions: PO Box 607, Slinger, WI 53086.

 

While each unique survey code may only be used once, additional codes and additional surveys are available. If you’d like a copy for another adult in your household, please call the Fire Department at 715-386-5861.

 

The City has been working with an independent survey administrator, Community Perceptions, to create and distribute the surveys to residents. All answers will be kept confidential and anonymous.

 

Initial survey results will be presented at a City Council meeting in June.

Final results will be available at https://www.hudsonfd.org/services-1.

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Survey FAQ's

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