Commission approves department bills after questions about citywide MSDS online subscription and oversight

The Marshfield Police and Fire Commission approved the department bills after an extended staff update and a discussion about a city-managed online MSDS subscription previously billed to multiple departments.

Staff told commissioners the new MSDS online program replaces paper MSDS books with an online database that automatically updates chemical safety sheets and triggers notices to a department facilitator. The department said the subscription cost is shared across multiple city budgets (ambulance, fire protection and fire prevention) and reported the commission's share at $2,312.50 for the city portion in the current cycle.

Several commissioners raised concerns about the timing and notification: one commissioner said the bill had already been paid by the city as part of a package and asked why the commission was not told in advance; another asked whether the online version could legally replace paper copies on site. Department staff responded the program is new to the city and that staff would return with a detailed presentation on whether electronic records would satisfy legal and operational requirements and to show how the subscription has been charged across departments in past years. The department also said it would verify whether the subscription had been paid in previous years and would track the vendor charges back with city finance and emergency management.

Despite the questions, a motion to approve the bills carried on roll call. The commission directed staff to return with a staff update or dedicated line item at a future meeting explaining the program, the legal status of electronic MSDS replacements, the billing history and options to ensure both digital and printed copies are available if required.