The Marshfield Common Council heard some business development updates at their recent meeting.
MACCI Business Development Director Sierra Starner-Heffron shared updates on activities to foster economic growth in the area, highlighting efforts to meet with local business owners and understand their concerns and needs.
Starner-Heffron mentioned an initiative to support entrepreneurs by updating resource brochures and establishing a social game night series aimed at connecting younger professionals and newcomers to the community.
She emphasized the importance of retaining existing businesses while also attracting new ones to stimulate local economic growth and address challenges such as childcare and housing. The Council also heard an update on the scope of the audit for the City.
Jon Trautman and Stuart Randal of CLA provided a review of the 2024 audited financial statements. The single audit was successful in securing state and federal grant awards. The annual audit focuses on examining the City’s financial statements and activities to ensure accuracy.
This year, the audit scope has expanded due to the City exceeding federal funding, specifically exceeding the threshold of $750,000 in federal awards. The two federal grants responsible for this increase were the Safe Drinking Water Fund grant and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which is tied to COVID-19 relief efforts. The audit results yielded an unmodified opinion for both the City’s financial statements and the federal and state awards, indicating that the financial data presented is materially accurate.
The Council also heard an update on 2025 borrowing. The estimated debt service tax levy increase is around $267,000 annually, which translates to approximately $244 more in taxes on an average home valued at $100,000 on an equalized basis, not an assessed basis.
Over the projected 20-year life of the borrowing note, the total cost incurred by the average homeowner is calculated to be about $590.00. The Council also had the first reading of ordinance 1533 introducing a requirement for the replacement of lead and galvanized water services in Marshfield.
Success in this initiative relies on three main elements: securing adequate funding, hiring a reliable contractor, and engaging property owners in the replacement process. The financing of this project will be covered entirely by Marshfield Utilities.
Although property owners can still choose their contractor for the replacement, they will not qualify for the funding of the project. The one expense that could be charged is replacing the curbstop, if that has to be replaced, at approximately $325. The project affects approximately 92 to 93 services.
The Common Council’s session includes a motion to approve Resolution 2025-21, which authorized the issuance of general obligation promissory notes. The total amount for these notes is capped at $9,785,000, and they will be payable over 20 years.
Funds generated from this debt issuance will be allocated to a brokerage account, and disbursements will occur as actual project expenditures are realized. The City commits to levying taxes sufficient to cover all principal and interest obligations associated with the notes.
The Council also heard the budget overview and future projections. We’re looking at about $25.9 million in revenues and expenditures, according to Finance Director Jennifer Selenske. Alderman Derek Wehrman suggests establishing a clear understanding of the baseline budget necessary for each department to function, which he terms the “keep the lights on” budget. This involves determining the minimum requirements for operational efficiency, separate from additional funding requests.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, one resident introduced his background as a pathologist and presented research findings from several recent studies regarding the presence of plastic in human blood.
Two other residents discussed the appropriateness of certain events being held in public spaces (Wenzel Plaza Pride Event), especially those that may not be suitable for children. Both participants expressed concern over how public displays of sexuality can impact the perceptions and values instilled in young audiences.
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