Police and Fire Commission approves two-year renewal of regional hazmat response contract

The Marshfield Police and Fire Commission voted to approve renewal of the Northeast Wisconsin hazardous materials task force contract on the two-year period covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.

The contract continues Marshfield's joint Type 3 hazardous materials team arrangement with Wisconsin Rapids. Under the Type 3 designation the teams handle known hazardous substances and qualify for a quarterly state subsidy; the presentation said the joint team receives approximately $16,625.27 annually (split with the partner jurisdiction) and that the overall arrangement provides state reimbursement for personnel and equipment expenses for Level A responses.

Chief or department staff explained the contract provides access to state grant programs for training and equipment and places hazmat team members under state workers' compensation protections for covered activations. The department told commissioners a small number of wording edits remained and the city attorney was conducting a final review but urged approval so the agreement could be signed by the July 1 contract date.

Commissioners approved the renewal on a voice/roll-call motion. A commissioner emphasized that hazmat responses can be expensive and that proper activation procedures matter for securing reimbursement; department staff said improper activation could leave the city responsible for cleanup and equipment costs.

The contract renewal was approved with the condition staff complete final attorney review and a pending verbiage correction to the named contact on the contract.