LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- An idea to add a five-cent surcharge to beer sales in La Crosse is getting a lukewarm response.

The nickel surcharge would fund an alcohol policy coordinator in light of the string of drownings in the Mississippi River not far from the La Crosse bar area.

Dave Berger is a tavern owner and member of the city's Alcohol Oversight Committee. Berger says the surcharge at bars wouldn't be fair unless it's also added to sales at liquor stores.

In Madison, a similar coordinator is funded by the University of Wisconsin and the city.

La Crosse's human resources director says the position and office equipment could cost the city $100,000.

The committee is considering asking the city's three colleges and two medical institutions to help pay for a coordinator.