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Council approves April ballot question to restore two firefighter paramedics to 2021 staffing levels
Summary
The council approved language to place a referendum on the April 1 ballot asking voters to approve funding to return the fire department to its 2021 staffing levels by hiring and retaining two full‑time firefighter‑paramedics.
Marshfield — The Common Council voted to put a referendum on the April 1 spring election asking voters to approve funding to restore two firefighter‑paramedic positions and return the fire department to its 2021 staffing level.
Fire Chief Everett Mueller brought the proposal and staff provided ballot language. Council members amended the proposed wording to clarify the intent and to avoid confusing voters: the final language directs the question toward “returning to 2021 staffing levels by hiring and retaining 2 full‑time firefighter paramedics.” Council members discussed cost estimates and voter education prior to the election.
Why it matters: staff and the fire chief said restoring the positions is intended to reduce overtime and improve response capacity; the question will determine whether the city can levy additional property tax revenue to pay for the positions. Finance staff provided illustrative household impacts during discussion to help the council frame public education efforts.
Key points
- Ballot language and timing: The council adopted the ballot resolution and language at the Jan. 14 meeting so clerks can meet statutory deadlines for the April 1 ballot. Staff warned the council that final language must be transmitted promptly; if the council delayed adoption it would need a special meeting or postpone the referendum.
- Cost and household impact: Council discussion and staff estimates placed the annual cost at roughly $256,930 (figure cited during the proposal); staff provided examples of household impacts (for instance, roughly $14 per year on a $100,000 home under the presented estimate, acknowledging the figure is illustrative and depends on assessed values and county apportionment).
- Outreach: Council members emphasized public education and recommended the fire department participate in outreach; staff said municipal communications would focus on information and education (legal limits on official advocacy for a ballot question were noted), and that union or outside groups may run independent advocacy efforts.
Outcome and next steps
The council passed the resolution authorizing the referendum language. Staff will finalize public education materials and file the adopted language with election officials in time for the April 1 ballot.
