Marshfield Council Reviews Budgets, Utilities, and Redevelopment Plans

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
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MARSHFIELD – The latest Post-Council Update with Council President Brian Varsho reviewed key developments from recent city meetings, including budget discussions, redevelopment plans for the Weinbrenner building, and ongoing funding challenges for the city’s communications department.

Communications Department Funding Concerns
At the September 23 meeting, Council Member Derek Morman requested a report on the city’s communications department, which is facing financial pressures due to declining cable franchise fees. With more residents switching to streaming services or using over-the-air antennas, revenues that traditionally supported communications operations have dropped.

Varsho emphasized the department’s critical role in keeping citizens informed and supporting city departments, noting the need for collaborative solutions to maintain these services.

Utility Commission Appointment
Also on September 23, Paul Capilha was approved for another seven-year term on the Marshfield Utility Commission, one of the city’s longest appointment terms.

Weinbrenner Building Redevelopment
The council also discussed progress on the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for redevelopment of the historic Weinbrenner building. The RFQ was distributed to about 100 Midwest companies and remains open until early November. A selection committee—consisting of the mayor, city administrator Steve Barg, three council members, two CDA members, and a community representative—will evaluate proposals. The building is expected to be vacated by early 2026, and city leaders are eager to see plans move forward to avoid prolonged vacancy.

Budget Season Underway
City Administrator Steve Barg presented his recommended budget on October 6, covering every city department. While inflation-related increases in wages, benefits, and insurance were noted, questions were minimal compared to prior years. One major topic was the possible funding of a community development director, a position not currently in the budget. Council Member Rebecca Spiros suggested reallocating resources, such as responsibilities in Parks and Recreation, to free funds for the role. Varsho supported the idea in principle but expressed concern about timing and feasibility for this budget cycle.

Council members also discussed alternative funding mechanisms, including interest from the wastewater utility and questions about fiber optic utility charges managed by Marshfield Utilities. Other future considerations include exploring transportation and stormwater utilities. However, Varsho noted there was little appetite for adding a wheel tax.

Council Meeting Highlights
At the October 14 regular council meeting, most agenda items moved quickly. The council approved second readings on lot sizes and setbacks, handled older accounting matters related to the airport, and entered closed session to review several potential initiatives. While no actions were finalized, officials indicated some items may return for public discussion in the coming weeks.

Website and Communications Upgrades
During staff updates, city officials outlined progress toward launching a new city website within eight months. The updated site will feature dedicated pages for police and fire, with greater opportunities for public input before launch. In addition, Marshfield Broadcasting continues to provide printed newsletters for residents without internet access and will cover upcoming community events, including Halloween trick-or-treating (5:30–7:30 p.m. on October 31) and the November holiday parade in partnership with Main Street Marshfield.

Looking Ahead
The next council and budget discussions are scheduled for October 20 at 6 p.m. Another Post-Council Update will be produced later this month to provide further details.

For questions, residents can contact Marshfield Broadcasting at 715-207-0379.

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