Editor’s note: The following statement was provided by Dan Meyer, chief of police, regarding the city public safety referendum which will be on the April 1 ballot.
As the Chief of Police for the City of Whitewater, I am honored to serve a community that values safety, growth, and inclusivity. Today, I want to share details about an important initiative that will help us meet our city’s growing needs: the $1.3 million public safety referendum on the April 1, 2025, ballot.
Whitewater is a vibrant community, but with growth comes challenges. Calls for service have nearly doubled in the last decade, from 7,501 in 2010 to over 14,000 in 2024. This reflects a dynamic city where evolving needs require us to adapt. While our Police and Fire/EMS teams have worked tirelessly to serve everyone, the increasing volume and complexity of calls demand additional resources.
The referendum will enable the City of Whitewater to make critical investments in public safety, including:
· Four additional police officers to improve response times and address rising call volumes.
· Increased Fire/EMS staffing, adding one person on every shift to enhance emergency response capabilities.
· Capital fund creation to eliminate borrowing for all public safety vehicles and equipment, saving taxpayer dollars in the long run.
· The addition of one dispatcher increasing staffing levels to prevent service disruptions and ensure efficient emergency response.
Additionally, the referendum’s structure allows for adding a second School Resource Officer (SRO). In this scenario, the two SROs would support our schools and assist with school traffic crossings during start and end times—a critical improvement for student safety that has been a growing concern in our community.
These enhancements will strengthen our ability to protect and serve all residents while preparing for the future. Importantly, this referendum builds on steps we’ve already taken, including adding a detective without increasing the levy, securing a $375,000 federal grant to fund three officers, and implementing cost-saving technologies.
Our commitment is to provide the highest level of public safety to all who call Whitewater home. This referendum represents a responsible, forward-thinking investment in that vision, ensuring our city remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just joined our community, these improvements will enhance your quality of life.
I encourage you to learn more about this referendum and the opportunity it presents to build a safer, stronger Whitewater. Further information can be found on the City website: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/615/CITY-OF-WHITEWATER-REFERENDUM-APRIL-2025.
Specific questions can be directed to: WW2025Referendum@whitewater-wi.gov.
Together, we can ensure our community thrives for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Dan Meyer
Chief of Police
City of Whitewater
