MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Marshfield residents will have the opportunity to vote on a Public Safety Referendum on April 1, 2025, determining whether the city will increase funding for fire and emergency medical services. The measure seeks to address growing service demands by hiring and retaining two full-time firefighter/paramedics.
The city has experienced a 48% increase in fire and EMS calls from 2000 to 2024, with calls rising from 2,390 to 3,543. Fire intensity has increased due to modern materials burning faster and hotter, requiring more emergency personnel. Overlapping emergency calls have grown by 18% from 2016 to 2023, stretching resources thin and potentially delaying response times.
To address these concerns, the city is seeking $256,903 annually to fund two additional firefighter/paramedics. This funding would restore staffing levels to those of 2021, helping to meet current emergency service demands. Homeowners with a property value of $100,000 would pay an additional $13.28 per year ($1.11 per month), while those with a property value of $200,000 would pay an additional $26.55 per year ($2.21 per month).
Under Wisconsin law, the City of Marshfield is limited to a 1.015% tax levy increase, which would result in a levy of $15,703,391. The referendum asks voters to approve exceeding this limit, increasing the levy to $15,960,894 to fund two additional firefighter/paramedics. The funding would remain in place on an ongoing basis.
If the referendum passes, residents can expect faster response times, improved emergency outcomes, adequate staffing to manage increasing emergency call volumes, and a better ability to respond to multiple calls simultaneously. If the referendum fails, emergency services may be strained as calls outpace available staff, leading to delayed response times and increased risks to life and property.
“As fire chief, it’s absolutely essential that we return to our 2021 staffing levels by securing funding for two additional firefighter paramedics,” said Chief Everett Mueller. “According to NFPA 1710, which sets the standards for the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, having the appropriate staffing on fire scenes is critical to ensuring the safety of both our crews and the public.”
“Fires are more dangerous than ever, with rapid growth and shorter escape times due to the materials and conditions involved,” he added. “Our department’s personnel are highly trained in fire suppression, EMS, hazardous materials, confined space, and high-angle rescue, enabling us to handle a wide range of emergencies. However, to meet NFPA standards and ensure we can both manage fire operations effectively and respond to concurrent emergency calls, we need adequate staffing. Restoring these positions will allow us to protect lives, maintain safe operations, and continue delivering the high level of service our community relies on.”
Key voting dates include early in-person voting at City Hall from March 18-28, 2025. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 27, 2025. Election Day is April 1, 2025, with polls open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Voters must present an acceptable photo ID to cast their ballot.
Residents who would like more details on the referendum can attend in-person and virtual listening sessions. More information, including a schedule of these sessions, is available at ci.marshfield.wi.us/referendum.
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Author: News Desk
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