Marshfield Utilities updates operations, reviews capital budget and approves equipment purchases and schedule changes
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Summary
Commission received updates on lead service replacements, KPI and budgets, approved a bucket‑truck replacement, changed three meeting dates and approved bills, minutes and payroll; the commission also voted to enter a closed session to review a wholesale power contract.
At its meeting the Marshfield Utilities Commission received operational updates, reviewed first readings of the capital and operations budgets and approved several routine and timing items, including a bucket‑truck replacement and changes to upcoming meeting dates.
Lead service replacement and operations: John, a utilities staff member, reported crews working with a contractor had removed 21 private‑side lead services and completed site restoration at 20 of those locations; he said the contractor plans to return the first full week in November with 17 more services on the list. The presenter cautioned that pavement repairs for disturbed areas could be weather‑dependent.
Customer outreach and staffing: Jessica, a communications staff member, said the fall customer newsletter was emailed to a little over 11,000 customers. The utility also hosted several Public Power Week events, including a collaboration with a local business and outreach events at schools and senior centers. The commission recognized three employees reaching five years of service.
KPI and operational notes: Staff reported a busy September of operations, citing 113 hours of plant operation and multiple days running resources into the MISO market; factors included lower wind generation, transmission constraints and scheduled generator outages. The commission also heard that the utility’s workers’ compensation modification factor for 2026 rose to 1.09 due to two injuries tied to a mutual‑aid event; staff said UnitedHeartland (the insurer) is pursuing subrogation and could, if recoveries are successful, recalculate the mod rating and issue refunds.
Capital and O&M budgets (first review): Patty, a finance staff member, presented the first review of the 2026 capital budget, showing a total draft capital budget of $4,790,000. She said the draft reflects previously discussed substation and distribution projects; page notes in the budget document show no revenue bonds planned for 2026 and include forecasted major projects through 2031. Staff told the commission that the network switch project estimate will be reduced by $25,000–$35,000 in the November presentation.
Commission discussion flagged two timing effects on the water utility’s rate of return: (1) a one‑time conversion of a planned $700,000 filter sand replacement from a capital expense to an operating expense, which reduced net income this year; and (2) the city’s decision to move a Fifth Street project into 2027, shifting capital spending and depreciation impacts across years. Staff also noted the lead‑service replacements (the commission discussed about 200 replacements at $5,000 apiece in planning discussion) as a material near‑term capital outlay affecting cash flow and plant balances.
Bucket truck replacement and equipment procurement: The commission approved a preapproval to purchase a bucket truck (replacement for unit 503) to secure 2026 pricing and delivery; staff said long lead times make early ordering necessary to avoid price increases and long delays. The utility plans to sell the replaced unit through the state surplus auction platform; staff said proceeds are uncertain and were not included as an offset in the purchase price.
Meeting schedule and administrative approvals: Commissioners moved to shift the November, December and January regular meeting dates one week later to November 17, December 15 and January 19 due to calendar conflicts; that motion passed on roll call. The commission also elected Mike Gabriel as commission president and elected Mr. Campbell as secretary in unanimous roll calls. Bills and payroll, and the prior meeting minutes, were approved by roll call votes.
Closed session: The commission voted to go into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes §19.85(1)(e) to review the Marshfield Utilities wholesale power contract; the motion passed by roll call and the meeting moved into closed session.
Votes at a glance (selected actions from this meeting): - Election of president: Mike Gabriel elected president (unanimous). - Election of secretary: Mr. Campbell elected secretary (unanimous). - Change meeting dates: November 17, December 15, January 19 — approved (unanimous). - Bucket truck replacement (unit 503): approved (unanimous). - Bills and payroll: approved (unanimous). - Minutes (Sept. 8): approved (unanimous). - Motion to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e): approved (unanimous).
Ending: Staff will return with updated budget figures and a November presentation that will include revised capital and operating allocations, grant/incentive updates and cash‑flow analysis.
