Committee tables request to fund Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce economic development services

Council Member Tompkins requested committee discussion about securing economic-development services from the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. City Administrator Steve Varg reviewed the background: the city historically shared a position with the Chamber (covering wages and benefits), the council placed $47,000 into contingency during the 2025 budget process to support a portion of that cost, but a separate council budget resolution to move contingency funds into an expendable account failed at full council (it received six affirmative votes but required seven).

Varg said the city currently does not have a contractual relationship with the Chamber for 2025 and city development staff capacity is limited; he noted options that have been discussed include direct contracting for specific services (for example business retention and startup assistance) or staging support based on service priorities.

Council Member Kurian moved to table the request until the Chamber advances a hire or otherwise provides concrete staffing information; another committee member seconded the motion. The committee voted to table the matter; the chair indicated the item will not be returned to the committee until the Chamber takes further steps toward filling the position.

Varg said the Chamber had asked for assurance the city would move contingency funds to pay a prorated share of wages once the Chamber had staffed the position; Kurian and other committee members favored waiting for a firm staffing commitment before moving money out of contingency. The committee recorded one abstention during the tabling vote.

The committee also discussed that some council members had previously indicated willingness to support a budget resolution to transfer funds once the Chamber had a hire; others remained unconvinced about the return on investment. No further budget action was taken at the meeting.