Marshfield Finance Committee Approves a Request to Authorize Funds for Outside Contractor to Assist With Snow Removal

Friday, March 20th, 2026 -- 9:00 AM

The Marshfield Finance, Budget, and Personnel Committee met on Tuesday, March 17th to review financial, personnel, and administrative matters.

According to the unofficial minutes from the meeting, the Committee considered a request to authorize up to $57,000 for outside contractor assistance with emergency snow removal operations following the recent storm, which brought approximately 26 inches of snow over a three-day period.

City Administrator Steve Barg said the request would allow the City to use a trucking contractor for up to three days to haul snow from the downtown and other priority areas where crews have limited storage capacity and staffing.

He noted actual use may be less than the full amount requested and said the City is also exploring whether reimbursement may be available through the State of Wisconsin. The Committee approved the request.

The Committee reviewed a request related to the Fire Department’s UTV project. Fire Chief Everett Mueller, speaking on behalf of Deputy Chief Brian Barnes, said the UTV and trailer were originally identified in the 2028 Capital Improvement Plan at an estimated cost of $55,000.

The Committee was told that the full project has now been funded through grants and donations, including support from the Wisconsin DNR Firefighter grant match, Forward Bank, SNR, Nelson-Jameson, and a private donor.

The request before the Committee was to transfer funds to complete the purchase. Staff said the project is now expected to move forward early, without impact on the tax levy or the 2028 CIP. The Committee recommended approval of Budget Resolution No. 08-2026.

Police Chief Jody Geurink requested approval to hire a police officer to fill a vacancy.  He said the department is currently short three officers, including one officer deployed with the military and two vacancies due to resignations.

He also said two additional officers have indicated they may be leaving later this year. Chief Geurink said staffing shortages are creating overtime demands, concerns about morale and fatigue, and training challenges.

He said the department has identified a qualified candidate who has already completed the background stage of the hiring process and that funding is available within the budget. The Committee recommended approval to hire a police officer to fill the vacancy.

Parks and Recreation Director Justin Casperson presented a request for approval of lease agreements with community groups using space at the Oak Avenue Community Center.

He explained that the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Committee had directed staff to implement a monthly rental fee for groups using space in the building. He reviewed the building’s background, current use, physical limitations, and maintenance needs.

He said the proposed structure would phase in fees over three years, with no fee in 2026, 50 percent of the established rate in 2027, and the full rate in 2028. He also noted the Zoological Society was excluded because its mission directly benefits Wildwood Zoo.

Committee discussion followed. Members expressed support for continuing to examine the issue, but raised concerns about charging long-standing community groups for low-quality basement storage space.

The discussion also referenced the value these organizations provide to the community and whether another funding source could offset building costs. Staff noted the building costs about $30,000 annually to maintain and currently generates about $13,000 in revenue from rentals and activities. No motion was made on the request, so no action was taken.

The Committee reviewed a revised job description for the Event and Program Coordinator position in Parks and Recreation.  Staff said the changes are intended to better reflect current department needs and to combine event coordination duties with programming responsibilities for adults aged 55 and older.

The update follows ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining for a senior coordinator position and is intended to improve workflow, continuity, and accountability. Staff said the revision does not create a new position and does not require additional budget resources. The Committee recommended approval of the revised job description.

Human Resources Director Sarah Dresel presented a revised version of Policy No. 3.410, Voluntary Resignation, formerly titled Voluntary Termination. She said the update modernizes an older policy originally adopted in 1978 and revised in 2012.

Changes include a clearer structure, added definitions, requirements for resignation notices, offboarding expectations, and information on final pay and leave benefits.

She also recommended one additional revision to clarify that the City may move up, but not extend, an employee’s last day worked when necessary for operational or security reasons. The Committee recommended approval of the revised policy.

During the Citizens Comments portion of the meeting, three residents spoke during citizen comments regarding proposed storage fees at the Oak Avenue Community Center for the Marshfield Civic Band.

Speakers said the band has used storage space in the building for many years and asked the City to reconsider charging the group $1,700 for that use. Comments highlighted the band’s long history in Marshfield, its free community performances, and its past involvement in local events, including Dairyfest activities and other public performances.

A third speaker said the band provides significant value to the community and asked that any fee, if charged, be kept as reasonable as possible.

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