Marshfield Common Council Discusses Fire Protection Charges

Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 -- 11:01 AM

The Marshfield Common Council discussed the fire protection charge at their meeting Tuesday afternoon.

It was requested that the City change the calculation method for public fire protection charge. They heard a brief presentation on the item, but delayed any final decision until next week’s meeting so they have time to review all the material provided.

The Council also approved the 2025 insurance renewals. The Council approved the appointment of Jennifer Koran to the Business Improvement District (BID) Board, to fill an unexpired term ending in April 2026.

They also had the first reading of the appointment of Brandon Taylor to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee, to fill an unexpired term ending in April 2026. As it was the first reading, no action was taken and it will be brought back to next week’s meeting.

The Council also had the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 9-51 of the Marshfield Municipal Code regarding pet licensing and Chapter 8-44 of the Marshfield Municipal Code regarding school buses and school crossing guards. No action was taken on either item as it was the first reading for both and they will both be brought back before next week’s meeting.

In approving the meeting minutes from the past couple weeks, the Council also approved the wage scale for Library staff for 2025, the 2025 City fee schedule, pay scale for seasonal employees, and a 2-year city attorney contract with Wolfgram, Gamoke & Hutchinson.

The Council also heard comments from Jill Porter, the Library Director regarding the recent change that will see the Marshfield Public Library closed on Sundays.

She said an increase in wages and benefits and inflation have contributed to increased costs at the library. Also, the library saw the end of some grant funding, coming in at around $100,000, which left the library with a deficit around $88,000.

To make up the deficit, the library had to cut staff hours and library hours. Since Sunday is one of the slowest days, staff decided Sunday was the best to close.

The Mayor discussed the City’s flag ordinance, which gives the Mayor the discretion to issue that flag be flown at half mast. In doing so, she ordered that on Wednesday, December 11th, flags be flown at half mast for former Alderman Ed Wagner. She also encouraged City residents to head to the City website and sign up for emails and notifications, so they know what’s happening in the City.

The City Administrator also mentioned the flag ordinance, the fee schedule, and an annual contract for planning services, which will be brought before the Council at next week’s meeting. Finally, they heard a reminder on the December 17th meeting schedule.

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