MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The Marshfield Common Council will review and vote on three budget resolutions at its February 11, 2025 meeting. (A budget resolution is an official action taken by a governing body, such as a city council or legislative committee, to adjust, allocate, or reallocate funds within an approved budget. It does not create new revenue or change tax rates but instead authorizes changes to spending allocations within the existing financial framework.)
The resolutions address wastewater infrastructure improvements, economic development funding, and public safety outreach.
Budget Resolution 04-2025: Northeast Pump Station Rehabilitation
Budget Resolution 04-2025 proposes increasing wastewater capital expenditures to support the Northeast Pump Station rehabilitation project. Finance Director Jennifer Selenske will present the request, which aligns with the city’s 2023 Wastewater Facilities Plan. The plan identified necessary upgrades for both the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Northeast Pump Station.
The project includes equipment replacements, collection system assessments, and force main evaluations. In January 2025, the construction contract was awarded to Staab Construction, with Strand and Associates providing oversight.
The total project budget for 2023-2025 was set at $2,827,000, with $2,583,500 already allocated to contracted services. However, unspent funds from 2024 need to be carried forward into 2025 to match the timing of actual expenditures. The resolution requests an increase of $432,000 in the Wastewater Utility Fund budget to allow the project to proceed. Funding will come from wastewater utility fees.
Budget Resolution 05-2025: Economic Development Fund Adjustment
Budget Resolution 05-2025 seeks to adjust the 2025 budget for Fund 205, which covers economic development expenses. The current budget is short by $17,000 due to recalculated costs for consulting services related to the West Second Street Redevelopment Plan. The city contracted Vandewalle & Associates for Phase 2 of the project, and additional funds are needed to cover their fees.
The resolution also includes $11,000 for property appraisals: $7,500 for the Weinbrenner facility and $3,500 for the current police station. These properties are involved in ongoing redevelopment discussions.
In total, the resolution requests a $28,000 budget increase to cover these costs.
Budget Resolution 06-2025: Public Safety Referendum Informational Campaign
Budget Resolution 06-2025 requests the transfer of $6,000 from the General Fund contingency to the Fire Department budget for an informational campaign about the April 1, 2025, public safety referendum. The referendum asks voters to approve funding for two additional firefighter paramedics.
Fire Chief Everett Mueller is presenting the request. The funds would be used for printing and mailing informational materials, renting space for public meetings, and other outreach efforts. These expenses were not included in the original 2025 budget.
Next Steps
The Common Council will review and vote on these budget resolutions at its next meeting. If approved, the funds will be allocated accordingly. Residents can attend the meeting or follow updates from city officials for more information.
Common Reasons for a Budget Resolution
- Reallocating Unspent Funds – If funds from a previous year or category remain unused, a budget resolution may transfer them to where they are needed.
- Adjusting for Unexpected Expenses – If costs arise that were not planned for in the initial budget, a resolution can authorize additional spending.
- Shifting Funds Between Departments – If one department needs more resources while another has surplus funds, a budget resolution can redistribute money accordingly.
- Ensuring Compliance – Some budget changes are necessary to align with financial rules, contracts, or external funding requirements.
How the Process Works
- Proposal: A department head or city official identifies a need and submits a resolution request.
- Review: The resolution is reviewed by a finance committee or administrator for feasibility.
- Council/Committee Vote: The resolution is presented to the appropriate governing body (e.g., city council), which votes to approve or deny the request.
- Implementation: If approved, the budget is adjusted, and funds are reallocated accordingly.
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Author: News Desk
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