By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – Fifty-two Marshfield businesses have been funded so far, through a grant program from the city’s Economic Development Board. City Development Services Director Josh Miller told the common council on May 12 that 69 businesses applied for a total of $140,000.

Miller said a lot of businesses were deemed ineligible simply because of filing delays at the state level, or delinquent on personal or business property taxes.

Miller also told the council additional grant funding might be coming in the near future from Marshfield Utilities, which would be available to businesses within their service territory, and not necessarily just city of Marshfield outlets.

Meanwhile, the city of Marshfield is in sound financial shape, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. City Finance Director Ron Aumann told the council that city departments largely report business as usual.

Without rentals at Wildwood Station, Marshfield Parks & Recreation Director Justin Casperson said there will be some revenue loss. But he said a lot of that will be offset by savings in reduced staffing levels for those kinds of facilities.

Library Director Lori Belongia said a number of her staff members have been furloughed and are currently on unemployment.

Administrator Steve Barg said the city continues to have work for the majority of staff.

He also said the city is tracking its costs related to COVID-19, which he said currently totals roughly $10,000.

The council is scheduled to hear an updated audit report at its next meeting, on May 26.