As the Holmen Area Fire Department continues to rebuild, its fire chief is advising the Holmen Area Fire District Association Board the department is coming up short on funding. “We are five years behind,” said Holmen Area Fire Department Chief Paul Menches. “The equalized value has climbed, but the department’s finances have gone south. We have to increase the operating budget for the next few years. The numbers we’re proposing are ultra conservative. You’ll have to take this back to your boards for approval; you have to make the tough call.”