Marshfield Common Council Approves Repairs to Fire Engine

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 -- 1:00 PM

The Marshfield Common Council discussed repair work to the Marshfield Fire Department’s Engine 2.

The Council approved repair work on Engine 2 for the Fire Department. A pump test found a bad bearing with the pump transmission. The Department offered three options for repair, but was pushing for an option that would cost $45,160, but would include a 6-year warranty for the new pump before reverting back to the lifetime major part defect warranty.

They also approved an $8,836.90 bill with the pump test company. This item was first discussed and approved during the Finance, Budget, and Personnel Committee and sent to the Council.

The Council also approved to appoint a committee to review the city’s organizational chart and a study for possible restructuring with the Development Services Department. The council approved an eight member committee with half being council members and the other half being staff members.

The Council also approved to appoint a committee to review an ordinance regarding utilities oversight and review the structure of the utilities commission. This stemmed from a long conversation at the previous council meeting regarding the excess of funds Marshfield Utilities has, what should be done with those funds, and oversight of the utilities.

The Council also approved to have a continued discussion regarding a possible referendum to help pay for emergency services in the city. The purpose of the referendum would help get both departments up to full staff after budget cuts the departments incurred.

This year, the City of Marshfield has seen an increase of 16-18% in call over 2021. Their calls are up 40% since 2000. Standards say that at least fourteen people are needed for a structure fire. With the Fire Department’s eleven personnel per shift, they don’t meet that standard.

Initially, the Police and Fire Commission proposed sending forward three options for consideration, but then knocked it down to two. The two options for consideration included a call for nine new firefighters, one police officer, a record specialist and a shared record specialist with the fire department plus equipment.

The other called for six new firefighters now, three at a later time, one police officer, a record specialist, and a shared record specialist plus equipment. With the option that provides all nine firefighters right away, a $100,000 home would see an increase of $85.50 to their tax bill.

The council approved to have a continued discussion on this item. If they want this item on the spring ballot, it must be approved at their first meeting in January. Finally, the Council had a discussion on contracting with private companies for ambulance services.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.