Marshfield Common Council Reviews Budget Requests, Development Updates, and Communications Department Funding Challenges

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Common Council met Tuesday, Sept. 23, addressing a wide range of issues including redevelopment, funding requests from local organizations, infrastructure projects, and the future of the city’s communications department.

Public Comment Highlights
Resident Bill Pinker raised questions on long-term planning for redevelopment of the former Weinbrenner Shoe Factory, urging the council to consider contingency plans if current redevelopment efforts fail. He also asked whether projects like fire hydrant placement, housing development, and airport expansion are being coordinated with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Budget Season Underway
City Administrator Steve Barg updated the council on the upcoming 2026 budget process, with workshops scheduled for October 6, 14, 20, and 27. He also confirmed strategic planning sessions will take place in January 2026.

Ordinance Readings: Property Setbacks
The council held first readings on two ordinances amending property setback regulations.

• Ordinance 1534 would clarify that property owners are not penalized when city right-of-way expansions make their structures appear nonconforming.
• Ordinance 1835 would reduce the current 50-foot major street setback to a more flexible formula: the district’s standard setback plus 10 feet. Final action is expected Oct. 14.

Redevelopment and Economic Development Requests
The council authorized release of a revised Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for redevelopment of the Weinbrenner facility. The updated RFQ softens language to allow broader proposals, including mixed-use, hospitality, and retail.

Two local organizations also sought funding through the 2026 city budget:

• Marshfield Area Chamber Foundation (MACCI): $53,000 for its Business Development Director and marketing efforts.
• Main Street Marshfield: $28,000 for downtown beautification, marketing, and promotions.

After debate on return-on-investment and accountability, the council approved including both requests in the draft budget.

Communications Department Funding Concerns
Director Tom Loucks and Community Media Coordinator David Ballerstein presented a detailed report on the work of the city’s Communications Department and Marshfield Broadcasting. The department produces programs such as Council Preview, Post-Council Update, Coffee with the Mayor, County Connections, and community event coverage, while also supporting public safety messaging and citywide outreach.

The department faces a looming budget shortfall by 2026 due to declining cable franchise fees. Current operations cost about $250,000 annually, but projected revenues will fall far short. For the first time, $15,000 from the city’s general fund is being proposed to help bridge the gap. Loucks and Ballerstein warned that without new funding models, the department could cease operations.

Several council members praised the department’s cost savings, especially its handling of the fire department referendum campaign, which saved the city an estimated $25,000 compared to previous outsourcing. The council agreed to explore long-term solutions, including possible chargebacks to departments that use communications services.

Mall Redevelopment Success Story
Barg also highlighted the success of the Marshfield Town Center (formerly the Marshfield Mall) redevelopment agreement signed in 2022. With Hobby Lobby, Ross Dress for Less, and Five Below now open, assessed property value has risen by over $11 million. Under the tax-increment financing (TIF) agreement, the city will begin making annual payments to the developer, capped at $1.7 million, while retaining a share of new tax revenue.

Other Business

• Approved a resolution to proceed with funding for the Braem Park detention basin project using a $150,000 grant and Clean Water Fund loan.
• Heard updates on local farmers markets, the upcoming Senior Health Fair (Oct. 3), and other community events.
• Entered closed session to discuss development agreements for projects in the Mill Creek Business Park and at West McMillan Street/St. Joseph’s Avenue.

---