OCTOBER 20, 2025 Special Budget meeting was called to order by Mayor TeStrake at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, City Hall. PRESENT: Mike Feirer, Derek Wehrman, Natasha Tompkins, Brian Varsho, Scott Koran, Jen Delis (arrived at 6:07 p.m.), Brian Giles, Rebecca Spiros, Mike O'Reilly, Andrew Reigel (via Zoom). ABSENT: None The flag was saluted and the pledge given. CITIZEN COMMENTS • None CC25-188 Motion by Giles, second by Feirer to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2025 Budget meeting. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried Mayor TeStrake turned the chair over to Alderperson Spiros, Chairperson of the Finance, Budget and Personnel Committee. Staff provided the following updates as requested at the October 14th meeting: Accounting Manager Munger reported additional budgetary factors that have become known in the last week that add just under $27,000 back to the General Fund. Those changes include additional expenses and reductions. Some changes include adding utilities for Weinbrenner building, finalized property insurance renewals, weights and measures expenses, removal of an IT subscription, PILOT increase, municipal service payment increase, revised CIP items, corrections to PD and FD reductions, and 1.6% health insurance increase as opposed to 2.6%. The Council did not have questions on these items. Finance Director Selenske provided information regarding a potential Wastewater Dividend. The fund balance for wastewater is used to support working capital and future needs. Currently, an extensive plant project is occurring with an additional $16 million in expected projects needed. A PILOT can be charged to a utility. However, Wastewater is currently charged administrative charges for actual costs incurred. A Wastewater dividend could impact the Moody's rating as we cannot take contribution from wastewater and set their rates. It's different than Marshfield Utilities water and electric, as PSC sets their rates. Alderperson Reigel asked how likely is it the Moody's rating would be impacted? It's unknown what the calculation formula is. However, it's likely there would be an impact as we would need to be able to offset any negative factors and it's already a challenge to improve. Alderperson Wehrman asked the difference with a PILOT from Marshfield Utilities? Statute allows that PILOT with a specific formula. The contribution is from interest earnings which is a "below the line." Acting Public Works Director Mauritz provided an overview of a transportation utility. Any money collected from a transportation utility must be used on streets. However, statute does not currently allow for this. Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on this in 2023. Communities that implemented a transportation utility still have the ordinance on record but are not charging the fee. Other revenue options are special assessments (we charge already), wheel tax (burden falls on residents), increased borrowing (subject to limits), higher tax rate (requires referendum) or storm water utility which is being explored. We learned today the City was successful in obtaining a $75,000 grant to explore a storm water utility, which is 50% of the cost. City Administrator Barg provided an update on a request about a potential communication utility. Staff did have a conversation with Marshfield Utility staff. The fund has increased but there are anticipated maintenance costs ahead. In talking with IT, the amount the City is paying for fiber is likely reasonable if the service was being purchased elsewhere. More analysis is required. Alderperson Wehrman wants this to be a priority for early 2026. Alderperson Spiros asked the current balance of the communication fund at MU, costs of upcoming maintenance and our current annual fee. The fund has $2.6 million and we annually pay approximately $45,000. Specific upcoming expenses were not provided. City Administrator Barg reported that several topics brought forward by Council are being reviewed and will continue into 2026. Those topics include a policy for 205 fund, review of motor pool charges, the Zoo endowment, and why Marshfield Utilities isn't part of our budget process. The resignation of Nicki Anderson is providing the opportunity to review the Event and Program Coordinator position and how the duties are covered. The process is in the early stages but there isn't a specific proposal at this time. Alderperson Wehrman asked if it's worth considering a Wenzel Plaza board/committee? Alderperson Spiros is more inclined to refill the position as part-time. Alderperson O'Reilly asked the salary of the position? The wages and benefits are around $98,000 with 40% paid by Visit Marshfield, 40% from the EDB fund and 20% from Parks & Recreation. The Community Development Director position would cost about $160,000 for wages and benefits. It is not currently funded. Money currently budgeted for EDB that could be considered for reallocation would be $35,000 for a consultant, $28,000 to Main Street Marshfield, $53,000 to MACCI, $25,000 building revitalization grant and approximately $65,000 in contingency. Alderperson O'Reilly asked if Marshfield Utilities has been asked to assist with funding this position? If not, they should be. Alderperson Tompkins asked how much money is being spent on Cedar Corp and Vandewalle? Vandewalle is being hired for the project. For Phase 1, they were paid $70,000. Alderperson Wehrman suggested an evaluation of the position's expectations. Alderperson O'Reilly asked if $160,000 was for entry-level? No, this is a director level position. Alderperson Spiros noted that removing items mentioned in the list is about $131,000. Potential savings would be found by not hiring in January. There may also be funds to shift from the Parks & Recreation position. Mayor TeStrake commented that Sierra at MACCI does more than just economic development. If the City doesn't fund the position, what else will be lost? Council was given the opportunity to ask questions and recommend changes to the 2026 budget. CC25-189 Motion by Giles, second by Delis to remove the $25,000 in funding for the building revitalization grant. Roll call vote; Ayes – 8, Nays – 2 (Wehrman, Tompkins) Motion carried CC25-190 Motion by Tompkins, second by Koran to approve the 2026 budget. Motion withdrawn CC25-191 Motion by Delis, second by Koran to remove $10,000 in funding to Main Street Marshfield, reducing their allocation to $18,000. Roll call vote; Ayes – 9, Nays – 1 (Wehrman) Motion carried CC25-192 Motion by Wehrman, second by Tompkins to incorporate the changes outlined by Accounting Manager Munger at the beginning of the meeting. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried CC25-193 Motion by Delis, second by Spiros to remove $20,000 in funding to MACCI. Roll call vote; Ayes – 3 (Delis, Spiros, O'Reilly), Nays – 7 Motion failed CC25-194 Motion by Tompkins, second by Feirer to approve the 2026 budget with the approved amendments. CC25-195 Motion by O'Reilly, second by Varsho to amend CC25-194, to move the salary for Event and Program Coordinator to contingency as a holding place until a decision is made on the position. Roll call vote; Ayes – 5 (Varsho, Koran, Delis, Spiros, O'Reilly), Nays – 5 (Feirer, Wehrman, Tompkins, Giles, Reigel). Mayor TeStrake broke the tie, voting Nay Motion failed Vote on CC25-194. Roll call vote; Ayes – 8, Nays – 2 (Spiros, O'Reilly) Motion carried Date/time of upcoming budget meeting: 1. Tuesday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m., Public Hearing and adoption CC25-196 Motion by O'Reilly, second by Delis to set the date and time of the budget public hearing for Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Roll call vote, all ayes. Motion carried Motion by Giles, second by Koran to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Jessica Schiferl Jessica Schiferl City Clerk WNAXLP October 31 2025 LWIX0398535