City of Sun Prairie alders are trying to cover a $167,000 shortfall in the 2017 budget less than a week before it’s presented to the public and heads to the city council for a final vote. The gap occurred after the city recently found out it will receive less transportation state aid than projected. The city also has a higher -than-expected fire department budget after city officials recently negotiated terms with the townships —- with $14,220 more than was included in the draft budget. ... A motion to cut an administrative assistant for the Sun Prairie Fire Department failed.
Fire Chief Garrison Chris Garrison made a plea to keep the position to handle paperwork, answer phone calls and help visitors at the station.
District 4 Alder Mary Polenske supported funding the position, saying it didn’t make sense for firefighters and the chief to do the work, with the department moving to a two-station operation.