By David Murchland - Marshfield Now! MARSHFIELD — City officials have reduced an initial $1 million shortfall in Marshfield’s proposed 2027 budget to approximately $50,000, leaving Common Council members to review department spending and consider additional adjustments. Council President Scott Koran reviewed the budget and other business from the Oct. 13 meetings during Marshfield Broadcasting’s Post Council Update. Budget discussions and the regular council meeting stretched from 5 p.m. until shortly after 10 p.m. City staff made substantial adjustments before presenting the approximately $29 million budget to the council. The review now moves through individual departments and spending categories, with any restored expenses requiring an offset elsewhere. Many department budgets remain to be reviewed. During the first budget meeting, the council reached only the Law Enforcement budget within Public Safety. Remaining areas include additional public safety budgets, public works, health and human services, culture and recreation, conservation and development, and numerous special revenue, capital project and other funds. Budgets not reviewed Oct. 13 will carry forward to the next budget meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. The council’s review remains in its early stages, and further adjustments may emerge as members work through the remaining departments and funds. Revenue estimates are also receiving attention. Parking fine revenue was budgeted at $20,000, compared with typical annual collections of $25,000 to $28,000. Questions also arose about a projected decline in swimming pool revenue and how those estimates were developed. Net new growth of approximately 1.7% represents an improvement over the previous year, while employee health insurance costs increased about 9%. Rising expenses continue to put pressure on the city’s ability to maintain services. Although the remaining gap is relatively small compared with total spending, finding additional reductions remains challenging after years of budget adjustments. Residents were encouraged to review the budget overview, which summarizes revenue, spending and major changes. The cost of maintaining vacant city buildings was another concern. Approximately $53,000 in annual expenses was identified for the Weinbrenner and Buffalo buildings. With the police department expected to move into its new location around June or July 2027, Koran called for early planning for the current station. Potential options include selling the property or seeking redevelopment proposals, with the goal of returning it to the tax rolls and avoiding an extended period of city-funded maintenance. The former Weinbrenner building was also discussed as a redevelopment opportunity. A memorandum of understanding would help the prospective developer pursue competitive tax credits before a full development agreement is completed. A proposed $100,000 city contribution would use funds associated with a closed tax incremental district that are designated for affordable or low-income housing. The developer has identified a minimum assessed value of $4.4 million for the completed project. Financing details and a final development agreement remain to be worked out. Another lengthy discussion focused on a proposed camping ordinance and concerns surrounding people living in vehicles. A motion to approve the ordinance was withdrawn following council discussion, and the proposal was not adopted. The discussion addressed both the needs of people experiencing homelessness and concerns raised by nearby property owners. Possible approaches included a designated location for overnight parking, consultation with social service organizations and a review of practices used in other communities. Koran praised police efforts to respond to complaints and connect people with assistance, while acknowledging that an ordinance alone would not resolve the broader social issues involved. Public participation at council meetings was also addressed. According to the update, changes to public comment procedures included discontinuing public comments through Zoom. The discussion cited concerns about remote participation from large numbers of people outside the community potentially extending meetings. Other business included steps supporting the Boys & Girls Club’s planned home in the former JCPenney building. Shared parking, roofing and other property arrangements require coordination among the organization, builders and city staff as the project moves forward. Visit Marshfield also presented information about Fall Fest and the Wenzel Family Plaza concert series, including event participation and expenses. A separate discussion revisited proposed restrooms at Wenzel Family Plaza. Funding previously associated with that proposal had been redirected to another restroom project, leaving the plaza proposal without that financial support. A possible donation was mentioned, but no immediate path forward was identified. The meeting also included a mayoral proclamation recognizing Community Media Day. Residents can watch the full council proceedings and Post Council Update through Marshfield Broadcasting.