Marshfield Council Reviews Budget, Health Insurance, and Weinbrenner Redevelopment Plans

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD – In a recent Post Council Update on Marshfield Broadcasting’s Now Channel, Council President Brian Varsho joined host Tom Loucks to recap two key city meetings held October 27 and 28.

City Receives $355,000 Reimbursement
The City of Marshfield announced it will receive $355,000 in tax overpayment reimbursements from the state, related to past settlements involving Marshfield Clinic properties. Of that total, $8,000 will be directed to match Wood County’s grant for the Visit Marshfield façade improvement program, while the remaining $347,000 will be placed in the city’s contingency fund.

Varsho emphasized the importance of holding the funds in reserve for potential 2026 expenses, including hiring an economic development director and addressing vacant staff positions at City Hall. “Leaving it there and not touching it now is probably the best possible outcome for us,” he said.

Budget Hearing Scheduled for November 25The 2026 city budget has already been finalized and will go to public hearing on Tuesday, November 25, at the regular Common Council meeting. Varsho noted that during his five years of budget hearings, residents have rarely attended or provided comment. He encouraged the public to use the hearing as an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns.

Health Insurance Costs Remain Stable
At the October 28 meeting, the council approved new annual contracts with Security Health Plan, Delta Dental, and vision coverage providers. Health insurance costs will increase by just 1.6%, a figure Varsho described as “very minimal.” Dental and vision plans will remain unchanged.


“This is good news for both employees and the city budget,” Varsho said, noting that a larger increase would have significantly impacted city expenses.

Ordinance Updates and Development Proposals
The council held first readings of ordinances clarifying lot size requirements to allow duplexes and townhomes, particularly in new subdivisions like Denyon. Final readings are expected at the November 11 meeting.


Discussion also focused on the Weinbrenner building redevelopment. With the shoemaker set to relocate to a new facility in early 2026, the city has reissued its request for proposals. A new 10-member selection panel will include the mayor, three aldermen, City Administrator Steve Barg, two CDA members, and two public representatives with banking and real estate backgrounds.

Varsho noted that earlier proposals were too similar and failed to gain traction. He expressed optimism that fresh ideas—including one from a local entrepreneur—will move the project forward.

Community Notes: Halloween and Future Meetings
The council also highlighted upcoming community events, including Main Street Marshfield’s trick-or-treating on October 30 and the traditional Fifth Street neighborhood celebration on October 31.
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Looking ahead, the council plans to adjust its December schedule to avoid conflicts with Christmas and New Year’s holidays, with the second December meeting likely moved up to December 16.

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