MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – At Tuesday’s Marshfield Common Council meeting, members will discuss a proposal that could significantly reshape how city government conducts its business. Alderman Mike O’Reilly has formally requested that the Council consider dissolving both the Board of Public Works and the Finance, Budget & Personnel (FBP) Committee, two of the city’s longstanding standing committees.
The agenda item was placed on the meeting schedule following the city’s established process for special meeting topics, which allows for such requests to be added when submitted in writing by at least two council members. Council President Tom Varsho provided written support for the request, fulfilling the requirement.
In his written request, Alderman O’Reilly cited multiple reasons for the proposal, including a desire to streamline operations, reduce the workload on city staff, eliminate redundant meetings, and improve information flow to the full Council and the public. “This would reduce workload for staff, eliminate multiple meetings for everyone, increase awareness of all subject matter for the entire Common Council body and create a better flow of information for the general public,” O’Reilly wrote.
If adopted, the proposal would shift responsibilities currently held by these two committees directly to the full Council. While this change could extend the length of Council meetings, proponents argue it would simplify the decision-making process and promote transparency.
City Administrator Steve Barg has outlined key considerations in a memo to the Council. Most notably, any move to dissolve these committees would require a formal ordinance amendment, since they are established under Sections 3-66(1) and 3-66(2) of the Marshfield Municipal Code. This would follow the precedent set last summer when the Economic Development Board (EDB) was dissolved.
Additionally, while Wisconsin state law requires communities of Marshfield’s size to have a Board of Public Works, initial legal review suggests that the Council may be able to bypass this requirement through a two-thirds vote, as provided under Wisconsin Statutes 62.14(1). City Attorney advice is pending confirmation from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities to ensure the legal interpretation is sound.
The Council is expected to discuss the matter and decide whether to pursue further action, which could include directing staff to draft ordinance changes for a future vote.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Marshfield City Hall. Community members are encouraged to attend or follow the proceedings online.
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Author: News Desk
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