By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – Plans for a new multi-million dollar facility for Marshfield’s public power and water utility have been finalized, and construction companies will start bidding on the project this month. That’s what Marshfield aldermen were Dec. 8.

After nearly a year of initial approvals, developing detailed specifications and numerous drawing updates, Marshfield Utilities General Manager Nick Kumm told the Common Council that plans for a new facility on the site of the existing office building at 2000 South Central Avenue are moving into the bidding phase. He said bid results should be in before Christmas.

The total estimated cost of the 50,000 plus square-foot facility is $17.5 million dollars, which rate payers will cover through slightly-higher electric bills. The average residential customer will see an increase of $4 a month, which Kumm said still leaves the city with much lower bills than those charged by investor-owned utilities operating coops near the city.

Even with the higher rates figured in, Kumm said the city’s utility charges would still be among the lowest 10 percent in the state.

Kumm also told the council the higher utility bills would not go into effect until sometime in 2023.

Bids and finances will be considered by the city’s utility commission on Jan. 11 and the common council on Jan. 12.

The project includes a 30,000 square-foot two-story office building attached to a 57,000 square-foot garage and warehouse facility, plus ample parking for utility employees and customers.

The utility has operated out of its current facility since 1966.

Take a virtual tour of the new building: