City Committee Elects Leadership, Tackles Staffing Challenges Amidst Tight Labor Market

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
Marshfield, WI — May 8, 2025
The Finance, Budget, and Personnel Committee convened on Tuesday in the Council Chambers for a packed agenda, electing new leadership and addressing a series of staffing and budgeting issues crucial to the city's operations.

New Leadership Elected
In a unanimous decision, Alderperson Rebecca Spiros was elected Chair of the committee following a nomination by Mr. O'Reilly and a second from Mr. Koran. Mr. Koran himself was later elected Vice Chair by unanimous ballot.

Budget Adjustments and Policy Updates Approved
The committee approved a budget resolution to allocate $2,800 in grant donations toward providing two portable toilets at UWSP Marshfield Fields and Forest Ridge Park.

Finance Director Jennifer Selenske described the funding as “unanticipated revenue” that required formal authorization.

Additionally, an update to Policy 3-960 regarding personal protective equipment and clothing allowances was approved. Human Resources Director Sarah Dresel explained that due to rising costs, the uniform allowance for fire department personnel should be increased from $500 to $650. This change aligns the fire department's allowance with the police department’s existing rate.

Staffing Gaps Highlight Operational Strain
Dresel also delivered an in-depth presentation on ongoing recruitment challenges, emphasizing the prolonged vacancies in key positions: City Planner, Civil Engineer, Community Development Director, and Public Works Director. Some of these roles have been unfilled for over two years.

“These vacancies are leading to operational inefficiencies, lost economic opportunities, and increased strain on current staff,” Dresel said.

She proposed partnering with external recruitment firms—contingency-based for mid-level roles like City Planner and Civil Engineer, and retained firms for executive positions. Dresel noted that the contingency model would cost the city approximately $20,000–$24,000 per successful hire.

Committee members expressed urgency in resolving the staffing issues. Several supported prioritizing the City Planner position, citing high consulting costs and service gaps.

​“We’re paying $149 an hour for a temporary city planner, which can total up to $70,000 annually,” one member pointed out.

Next Steps and Broader Strategy
Council members discussed shortening the hiring process and enhancing recruitment outreach, including potentially increasing the city’s investment in job board advertising and attending job fairs. Dresel was tasked with developing actionable proposals for improving recruitment branding and accelerating hiring timelines.

The committee also agreed to bring the City Planner recruitment proposal to the Common Council as early as next week.

Looking Ahead
In anticipation of the upcoming budget planning cycle, committee members discussed establishing a clearer, more structured process for reviewing departmental budgets and identifying potential cuts. This initiative aims to improve transparency and participation in the budget decision-making process.
​
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, marking the end of a productive session focused on leadership, fiscal management, and the pressing need to rebuild the city's staff infrastructure.