Voters in Fort Atkinson approve a public safety referendum by a vote of 52.39 to 45.66 percent.

The $770,000 referendum is intended to cover the cost of two additional police officers, six full-time firefighter paramedics, and six full time firefighter/EMT’s.

City Manager Rebecca LeMire says the City can’t continue with a volunteer-reliant fire department. Combining fire and EMS is the most sustainable option for taxpayers as well as provides the revenue for the fire service.

The cost to the owner of a $160,000 home would be about $131 a year.