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Marshfield commission approves targeted fire budget reductions, accepts DNR grant for UTV purchase
Summary
The commission approved a set of modest fire budget reductions for 2026 to meet departmental targets, and accepted a 50/50 Wisconsin DNR FFFP grant and community donations to cover part of a combined fire/EMS UTV purchase that will be used for wildland response and patient transport in parks and events.
The Marshfield Police and Fire Commission on Oct. 9 approved targeted reductions in the fire department’s 2026 budget and accepted a 50/50 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources FFFP grant and local donations to purchase a fire/EMS utility terrain vehicle (UTV).
Staff presented a package of line‑item reductions and substitutions identified during the budget review. Examples included a $1,000 reduction to the tire replacement program, a roughly $4,000 savings by changing fire‑hose testing vendors, and a reallocation of some certification and training line items (presenters cited an adjusted firefighter 1/2 certification allocation). Staff estimated these and other adjustments would help meet the department’s requested $24,000 reduction target (presented as part of the packet). Presenters said the changes were the result of multi‑department review and vendor options, and that they aimed to preserve core operational capability while trimming discretionary or deferrable items.
The commission approved the budget reduction package by roll call after staff explained each proposed change and answered commissioner questions about impact and alternatives.
Separately, the commission approved acceptance of a 50/50 matching grant through the Wisconsin DNR FFFP program and a set of donations to fund part of a proposed fire/EMS UTV. The packet shows the vehicle’s estimated cost at $37,100; staff reported securing $14,004.21 in grants and donations so far, a $3,000 donation from a local vendor (SNR/Sandridge), a $5,000 contribution drawn from EMS funds, and a $311 allocation from the fire prevention fund, with the DNR grant providing a $5,000 match. Presenters said SNR would store the assembled “skin” (non-motorized outfitting) and that the vehicle will be configured with an electric fire pump and EMS bench to support wildland suppression, patient transport on parks and trails, and special-event response. Staff said they intend additional fundraising and to include a follow-up CIP request for full vehicle purchase if necessary; the commission approved acceptance of the matching grant and the donation package and forwarded the matter to city finance and council for administrative action.
Commissioners and staff said they would publicize donor recognition and may host a community event when the vehicle arrives.
