Committee approves new donations policy to standardize acceptance and management of gifts

The Finance, Budget & Personnel Committee voted to recommend common council approval of a new Donations Policy (4.2) that establishes procedures and thresholds for accepting gifts to the City of Marshfield.

Finance Director Jennifer Zelensky described the policy as a new formal framework: "This policy will ensure that all proposed gifts are reviewed with thoughtful consideration of the donors intent, community benefit, and the short and long term responsibilities the city may incur." Key provisions require a formal donation form for gifts over $100 that documents intent, location and maintenance costs; give the city administrator authority to oversee reviews and refer substantial or restricted gifts to council or committees; and permit the city to decline or remove donations that are unsafe or unmanageable.

Nut graf: The policy is intended to balance community generosity with municipal oversight by setting clear approval thresholds and accounting procedures, including rules for private construction, donor recognition, and compliance with public-records laws.

The draft sets a $100 filing threshold for donation documentation and recommends that gifts over $5,000 be reviewed by council. The policy also prohibits politically affiliated donations and donations from parties with outstanding liabilities or pending litigation against the city, and it states the city will not begin related spending until donations are accepted and received.

The committee moved and seconded approval; members voted in favor and recommended the policy to the common council.

Ending: If adopted by the council, the policy will require the finance director and city administrator to track donations, consider installation and maintenance costs before acceptance, and involve relevant boards or committees for memorials, naming requests and major private construction.