MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The City of Marshfield will host a public hearing to review the proposed 2025 budget on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will take place at City Hall, providing an opportunity for residents to learn about the budget and share their input.
The proposed budget outlines the City’s financial priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on essential services, infrastructure, and community initiatives. Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing to gain insights into how funds will be allocated and to voice their opinions.
Budget Availability for Public Review
The 2025 proposed budget is currently available for public inspection at City Hall during regular office hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon)
All community members are invited to review the document and attend the hearing to better understand the City’s financial plans for the upcoming year.
City of Marshfield 2025 Recommended Budget Overview
The City of Marshfield has released its proposed budget for 2025, outlining the financial priorities and plans for the upcoming year. The budget, prepared by City Administrator Steve Barg and city staff, aims to balance fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential services for residents.
Key Financial Highlights
- Total Budget: The recommended budget for 2025 is approximately $57.9 million, which includes all fund types such as General Fund, Special Revenue, Debt Service, Capital Projects, and Enterprise Funds.
- General Fund Expenditures: The budget for the General Fund, which covers day-to-day city operations, is set at $24.9 million. This represents a slight increase from the previous year’s budget.
- Revenue Sources: The primary sources of revenue include property taxes (50%), intergovernmental revenues (38%), and a mix of licenses, fines, and public service charges.
Budget Challenges and Adjustments
The 2025 budget comes with its set of challenges due to inflation and a slight decrease in overall revenues compared to last year. Notable factors include:
- Revenue Decrease: A drop of $61,078 in total revenue is expected, driven by reductions in the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) from Marshfield Utilities and property tax settlements.
- Increased Costs: Inflation rates above 3% have contributed to rising costs for city operations, products, and services.
- Staffing Adjustments: To balance the budget, some staffing positions have been unfunded or reduced, such as in Public Works and Development Services.
Major Spending Areas
- Public Safety: The largest allocation of the General Fund (42%) goes to public safety, ensuring that police, fire, and emergency services remain robust.
- Public Works: About 20% of the budget is dedicated to maintaining infrastructure like roads, storm sewers, and snow removal.
- Culture and Recreation: Approximately 17% of the budget supports libraries, parks, community centers, and recreational programs that enhance the quality of life for residents.
Debt Management
- The city’s outstanding General Obligation debt as of January 1, 2025, will be $48.9 million. This is well below the state’s debt limit of $110.6 million, utilizing only 55.7% of the maximum debt capacity.
Looking Ahead
City Administrator Steve Barg emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the City Council and staff to address long-term financial challenges. The 2025 budget lays the groundwork, but a more comprehensive strategy will be necessary for future budget cycles.
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Author: News Desk
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