An open house is being planned to gather community input on merging the Grafton and Saukville fire departments.
While discussions at one time focused on a possible four-way merger among Grafton, Saukville, Cedarburg and Port Washington, the plan has since narrowed to the two central villages.
Cedarburg officials have said it is their goal to remain their own department. A report presented to Port Washington officials earlier this year showed that consolidation would actually cost the city more than staying on its own.
Since a 2021 Wisconsin Policy Forum study advised that combining fire and EMS protection services could be "efficient and effective," departments across Ozaukee County have been discussing opportunities for consolidating.