Joint Powers Agreements needs council approval - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW)—The Judiciary and Administration Committee met on Tuesday night; one item on their agenda, approving the Joint Powers Agreement.

Its an agreement between La Crosse County and all municipalities within the county that the closest emergency vehicle provide services when dispatched regardless of whether the vehicle is operating outside it's normal jurisdiction.

The state requires all counties to have an agreement.

Council President Audrey Kader said approving the agreement is a formality, something they do every year.

She doesn't expect any changes from previous year's agreements.

Kader said its important the closest emergency crew responds to people living in outlying areas.

"Where they don't have full time fire departments," Kader said. "They are a little bit farther away from the ambulance base. It's really important for them that the closest responder available will get to them."

She said in most cases, people who live with in the city limits aren't affected by the Joint Powers Agreement because we have a full time fire department and ambulance are based around town.