Marshfield City Council Approves Second Reading of Ordinance Regarding the Replacement of Lead Water Service Lines

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 -- 10:00 AM

The Marshfield Common Council approved the second reading of an ordinance regarding the replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines.

The ordinance creates Section 14-03 of Marshfield Municipal Code, requiring replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines within the City of Marshfield. The ordinance ensures property owners can take advantage of available funding and a designated contractor. 

Key Information:

• What’s covered? The ordinance requires replacement of the lead and galvanized water service lines from the curb stop (near the sidewalk) to the water meter inside the property (as known as private-side lead and galvanized water service lines). Interior household piping and sewer laterals are not included in this ordinance.
• Cost to homeowners: Replacement (valued around $7,000) is covered by available funding. Property owners will be responsible for curb stop replacement if needed, typically around $325.
• Who qualifies? Funding is available to all property owners, regardless of income.
• Contractor: Marshfield Utilities has secured Van Rite Plumbing (Green Bay) to complete the work. Property owners may use their own contractor but would be responsible for the full cost if not using the approved provider.
• Future compliance: The ordinance ensures any future discovery of lead and galvanized service lines is addressed promptly to comply with federal regulations.

The Council also approved a budget resolution adjusting the adopted 2025 budget for the TID #12 Fund, increasing up to $160,000 the Repairs and Maintenance Services – Streets and Related Facilities account, decreasing the Professional Services account by $40,000.

They also approved a resolution adopting and approving amendment No. 1 to the Project Plan and amending its boundaries of Tax Incremental District #11 in the City of Marshfield.

The Council also approved a request by two council members for a $50,000 payment to the Fairgrounds Commission as the $25,000 City contribution toward building and facilities improvements for budget years 2024 and 2025.

Finally, they had a debrief from the discussion at the July 9th Special Council Meeting with Visit Marshfield on a potential new agreement. No action was taken. They also heard an update on the progress made within the City’s 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. Again, no action was taken.

When approving the minutes from the various committee meetings the past couple weeks, the Council approved a low bid for Contract 2025-03, Yellowstone Drive water main extension and approved State/Municipal agreement for city-wide traffic modeling and analysis.

Finally, during the Mayor’s comments, she offered congrats to an employee on their recent completion of course work, encouraged aldermen to reach out to staff with questions on agenda items, and commented on the new train tracks and road on Central Avenue.

The City Administrator commented on a grant application meeting, an Economic Development study, and a special CIP meeting on July 31st. During the Council comments, one aldermen gave a shoutout to the Planning Commission on changing zoning in the City to make housing easier.

Finally, during the public comments portion of the meeting, a resident discussed the reason behind the declining Monarch butterfly population.

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