County staff and supervisors on the Extension Education & Economic Development Committee and the Human Resources Finance & Property Committee on Tuesday authorized a broad resolution to release a request for proposals (RFP) for reuse of the UWSP Wausau campus.

Administrator Leonard told the joint meeting that the county’s Westside master plan is a vision document and does not constrain how the county proceeds. He outlined three questions for the committees: whether the joint body should continue to meet while proposals are out, whether anything is missing from the RFP framework, and how proposals should be evaluated and scored.

Public commenters representing churches, arts groups and the Community Foundation urged an open RFP process. Yao Yang, pastor of Cross Church, said, “I respectfully advocate for pursuing the RFP process,” arguing that an open RFP would allow local nonprofits and grassroots groups to propose uses that address Marathon County needs. Tim Parker, CEO of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, told the committee, “we would like to be one of those to submit one,” and described a possible ‘Marathon center for arts, business and culture.’

Staff recommended an extended proposal window — eight weeks — to allow local organizations time to coordinate partnerships and develop proposals. The framework also recommends proposers submit plans for whole buildings or the whole campus, rather than partial spaces, to simplify evaluation and ownership questions. Staff noted that the county believes it is likely eligible for up to $2,000,000 from a WEDC branch-campus grant program, subject to available funds and any program restrictions.

Committee members suggested additions to the RFP, including a clear mission or vision statement and explicit evaluation criteria for both sales- and property-tax generation. Leonard said staff will disclose current lessees in the RFP, provide mandatory site walkthroughs and set up open-house opportunities so proposers can meet and collaborate with existing tenant groups.

A motion by Supervisor Rosenberg, seconded by Supervisor Lemmer, approved the authorizing resolution in the Extension Education & Economic Development Committee by voice; the Human Resources Finance & Property Committee adopted parallel language (moved by Supervisor Hart, second by Supervisor Poole). Leonard emphasized that the final decision to sell or divest county property rests with the County Board by statute and that committees’ role is to evaluate proposals and recommend an approach to the full board.

The resolution, as approved by the committees, directs staff to finalize the RFP framework incorporating committee feedback and to prepare a resolution for full Board consideration authorizing release of the RFP.