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Marshfield hires consultant to review economic development structure and signals intent to renegotiate Visit Marshfield contract
Summary
Council accepted a Redevelopment Resources proposal for an organizational analysis of the city's economic development function (about 39 hours, ~$6,000) and authorized notice to Visit Marshfield to begin renegotiation discussions under the contract's one-year notice provision.
The Marshfield Common Council voted March 11 to accept a proposal from Redevelopment Resources to analyze the city’s economic development organizational structure and to direct staff to draft a budget resolution to fund the work. The proposal covers roughly 39 hours of consulting and was described in the packet at about $6,000; staff said the likely funding source is the 205 economic development fund.
City Administrator Steve Barr told the council the study would identify the most effective structure and roles among city staff and partner organizations (including Visit Marshfield, Main Street, Mackie and others). Barr described recent turnover and vacancies in development services positions and said the analysis is intended to “make the best bang for the buck” and create clarity among players responsible for business attraction and retention.
Councilors emphasized timing: Alderman Staubert said the study aligns with envisioned duties for an assistant city administrator or community development director and with upcoming strategic-planning work, and Alderman Wurman asked that the consultant work be scheduled early enough to inform strategic planning. Alderman Tompkins supported using the 205 economic development fund, noting the money could come from utility dividends.
Separately, the council authorized the city administrator to provide written notice of the city's intent to renegotiate the tourism agreement with Visit Marshfield under section 10 of the current contract. Staff said the existing agreement expires in June 2026 and that either party must provide one year’s notice to renegotiate the contract; the notice is intended to preserve the city's ability to revisit terms once the consultant and strategy work are complete.
The motions to accept the consultant proposal and to authorize notice to Visit Marshfield both passed.
