Commission transfers emergency‑management budget, siren CIP to fire department

The Marshfield Police and Fire Commission voted March 13 to move responsibility — and associated budget authority — for city emergency management from the police department to the fire department.

Chiefs told the commission the fire department manages the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), prepares incident action plans and coordinates storm shelters, and that transferring budget authority would reduce administrative friction and better align funding with operational oversight. The commission approved the transfer by roll call vote.

Chiefs and staff reviewed the capital‑improvement plan schedule for outdoor warning sirens. Commissioners were briefed that sirens are on a replacement cycle (approximately every 15 years) and that the CIP anticipates roughly $9,500 per siren plus installation; two siren purchases were discussed for the next two fiscal years. Chief presenters said the city has tested hydrants and water main capacity for related infrastructure projects (airport hangar sprinkler needs) and described broader emergency‑management investments, including training and collaboration with local organizations.

Commissioners asked about the EOC staffing, the city’s readiness for multi‑day outages or sheltering for people without reliable access to social media, and the degree of community outreach to populations with limited English or non‑digital access. Staff said the EOC has grown and now includes representatives from schools and outside partners and that the city will continue to build communications plans for vulnerable groups.

A motion to transfer the emergency‑management budget and the CIP line for siren replacement from the police department to the fire department passed on a roll call; commissioners requested further budget detail and continued updates from both departments as the change is implemented.