Local legislators are making a pitch for the state to help pay for some of the safety needs associated with the NFL draft taking place in Green Bay on Aug. 24-26.
“Ensuring the success and safety of an event of this size requires an enormous amount of public resources,” said state Rep. David Steffen, R-Howard. “As about 2/3 of the estimated $96 million economic benefit of this event occurs outside of Green Bay, it’s appropriate for the state to cover a portion of the costs, especially relating to public safety.”
The vast majority of the more than $10 million in hosting-related expenses are being covered by businesses, sponsors and the Green Bay Packers. However, many of the costs associated with core services such as safety and sanitation are the responsibility of local and county government.
Steffen and state Rep. Ben Franklin, R-De Pere, are seeking $1.25 million through the state budget process to be directed to the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department ($75K), Brown County Sheriff’s Department ($500K), Green Bay Police Department ($475K) and Green Bay Metro Fire Department ($200K). It is estimated that these allocations will address approximately two-thirds of anticipated public safety expenses associated with the draft.
At this time, police protection will most likely be handled by Brown County personnel, and they have not reached out to surrounding counties or departments.
“I have heard they plan on staffing the event with Brown County agencies only,” Shawano Police Chief Michael Musolff said. “At this time, the Shawano Police Department was not asked to assist.”
Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzner said his deputies won’t be there either, unless there is an emergency request.
“There was talk of them asking for our assistance months ago; at that time they could not guarantee that our officers would be reimbursed for their time,” he said. “I feel with our size of department that we really don’t have the manpower to send over to Green Bay anyway. I think we will be busy enough around here to keep our own people busy.
“As usual, if an emergency situation occurs and they request mutual aid, we will do whatever we can to help them out.”
Steffen said the state expects to collect at least $4.5 million in sales tax revenue from the draft.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
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