Marshfield Leaders Prepare for Packed Year-End Council Meetings

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD, Wis. — Marshfield city officials are preparing for a full slate of meetings Dec. 16 as the year winds down and the holiday season approaches.
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City Administrator Steve Barg and Mayor Lois TeStrake outlined the schedule during this week’s Council Preview program, noting that multiple committees and the Common Council will meet consecutively beginning at 4:45 p.m. The meetings include Judiciary and License, Finance, Budget and Personnel, the Board of Public Works, the Plan Commission and the Common Council. Some staff members may be at City Hall until 9:30 p.m., Barg said.
All meetings will air live on Marshfield Broadcasting.
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Fee Schedule Updates Return
The city will again consider updates to its annual fee schedule after Marathon and Wood counties increased the cost of processing pet licenses. Additional adjustments are proposed for building inspection, development services, fire and engineering.
Barg said the city evaluates comparable fees in other communities and reviews actual staff and publication costs. “We’re not trying to gouge the citizens,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re covering our reasonable cost of the service.”

Continuing Appropriations on Agenda
The council will review its yearly continuing appropriations resolution, a process that allows departments to carry certain unspent 2025 funds into 2026 if projects were delayed or equipment orders could not be completed. Otherwise, unused funds return to the city’s general fund.
“We’re not building up a big reserve fund,” Barg said.

Zoo Endowment Fund Proposed
Officials discussed creating a new endowment fund for Wildwood Zoo to support long-term maintenance and improvements. The fund would use remaining dollars from the zoo’s earlier capital campaign.
TeStrake said the approach would reduce the need for repeated fundraising. “This is only going to make it more positive,” she said.

Land Acquisition Recommended for Vine and Forest Project
The city received proposals for temporary land-use acquisition related to the Fourth and Vine improvements. Staff recommended selecting TerraVenture Advisors to negotiate with property owners. The Board of Public Works will review the recommendation before it goes to the council.

Panda Express Seeks Approval for Conditional Use Permit
A proposed Panda Express restaurant at Central Avenue and Peach Street will go before the Plan Commission and the council for a conditional use permit. The site requires special approval because of its size and drive-through configuration.
City staff support the permit. TeStrake said new restaurants reflect steady commercial growth. “Marshfield is growing by leaps and bounds,” she said.

High-End Housing Subdivision Advances
Developer Jeff Hill’s plan for a 16-lot subdivision near West McMillan Street and St. Joseph’s Avenue continues to move forward. Homes are expected to range from $750,000 to $1 million. The preliminary plat will be reviewed before final utility and stormwater plans return in the coming months.
“We want options for people,” TeStrake said.

City to Seek Construction Manager for Police Department Project
The council will consider authorizing a request for proposals for a construction manager for the new police station. Barg said a construction manager is needed early in the process to oversee design coordination, cost savings and value engineering.
Early estimates ranged from $10.8 million to $13.5 million, but the council previously set a $10 million construction limit. Staff are working to keep the project within that target.
“You can’t do enough oversight,” Barg said.

Municipal Judge to Resign; Appointment Process Begins
Municipal Judge Mike Cruz will resign Jan. 9 with about 15 months remaining in his term. Because the vacancy occurs outside election timelines, the council will appoint someone to serve until April 2027. The judge must be a licensed attorney and a resident of Marshfield, Stratford or Spencer, which jointly operate the municipal court.

Officials Reflect on 2025 Community Highlights
TeStrake and Barg praised strong community participation in major events, including June Dairy Fest, Hub City Days and the holiday parade. About 1,500 people attended the downtown tree lighting, TeStrake said.
They also highlighted increased donations at Rotary Winter Wonderland and the continued opening of new businesses across the city.
“This place is a total team effort,” Barg said.

Tax bills will be mailed soon, Barg said, noting a slight increase to the city portion following voter approval to restore firefighter-paramedic staffing. Other taxing jurisdictions are seeing decreases, he said, lessening the overall impact.
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