Council declines storage fees for Oak Avenue center

MARSHFIELD – Non-profit organizations that store their belongings at the old Armory will not be charged for doing so.

With Rebecca Spiros absent, the Marshfield Common Council voted 7-2 on April 14 against a proposal to charge community groups a monthly fee for utilizing storage space at the Oak Avenue Community Center, 201 S. Oak Ave., Marshfield.

Alderman Natasha Tompkins brought the issue to the council, after the city’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee discussed the item at three recent meetings and reviewed rental rates from numerous storage companies.

“The struggle is we know we have a tight budget,” said Tompkins. “We know we have an old building that is not very energy-efficient and we pay a lot of utilities for. We know we have to fix the boiler in about seven years for $150,000. We have to borrow that money to do it. We know we have to do the chimney for $20,000. We also borrow money to do that as well. So that’s the hard part, is that there are expenses in that building. But then we also have organizations in that building who are doing incredible things for community good, and so where can we meet?”

Tompkins noted the committee recommended the lowest area market rate of $0.34 per square foot and presented proposed lease agreements with five organizations — the Marshfield Civic Band, Marshfield Youth Football & Cheer, Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Gust Gym and the Marshfield Youth Soccer Association.

The rental structure was planned to be phased in over three years, with no fees for the remainder of this year, 50% of the established rate next year and 100% starting in 2028.

At its March 17 meeting, the city’s Finance, Budget and Personnel Committee (FBPC) reviewed the proposed lease agreements, but took no formal action, as no motion or second were made, according to a memo provided to the council by Justin Casperson, the city’s Parks and Recreation Director.

As a result, the item was effectively tabled, the memo also stated.

“Committee discussion acknowledged the city’s financial challenges while also expressing concern about implementing rental charges at this time, citing the significant community value these organizations provide. The FBPC expressed appreciation for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee’s (PRFC) efforts and encouraged continued exploration of alternative approaches,” the memo also read.

“I think it’s almost humorous when this body is approving $60,000 for additional walking trails in this town that are going to add costs to this Parks and Rec. Department,” said outgoing District 9 Alderman Mike O’Reilly. “How far do we push these community organizations that are donating their time and efforts and are important to so many people in this city? It’s ludicrous to me. I will not support doing that. I just don’t understand how this body can look at it and say, ‘At a time we’re struggling with money, we’re going to enhance and grow things that are going to cost the city more money and we’re going to chop these people out of the equation.’ It sickens me.”  

Alderman Andrew Reigel, who voted in favor of the proposal, indicated he could see both sides of the argument, but also said the city is going to have to face the music at some point.

“This isn’t a black and white decision,” he said. “Every year we’re asking staff to come up with ideas on how to pay things, and when they do and we just kind of dismiss it, I don’t think it sends the right message. I’m not aware of any council member who’s proposed any other ideas to raise funds, but we’ve insisted on it from staff and we get something here and we dismiss it. On the flip side, these are good institutions that do provide value to the city, so to ignore that is foolhardy. We need to understand that, with the fact that we are not able to increase the tax levy beyond what the new growth is – which is a good year about half a percent, if that – every year, due to inflation, we’re losing about two-and-a-half to three-percent in purchasing power. So if the tax levy stays the same and inflation affects everything else, we’re going to lose what we can do.”

The proposed fee structure would have charged the Marshfield Civic Band $591.60 in 2027 and $1,183.20 starting in 2028 for the 290 square feet it utilizes at the OACC.

“I understand that the city needs to raise money, and as a taxpayer I’m really grateful that you’re doing your best to keep the taxes in check,” said Donna Hastreiter, a member of the Marshfield Civic Band, during the public comment portion of the council meeting. “I was almost willing to accept the $1,700, and then I read in the [Hub City Times] that the City will be contributing $20,000 to help fund the Hub City Concert Series of eight free concerts at Wenzel Plaza. Your very own city band gives you eight free concerts a year, plus plays for the Memorial Day ceremony up at the cemetery. I just think that if you can afford $20,000 for eight concerts, it would be really nice if you could allow us to use the Oak Avenue Center without having to pay rent.”

Marshfield Area Youth Football & Cheer would’ve had to pay $2,448 next year and $4,896 starting in 2028 for the 1,200 square feet the group uses in the basement of the old Armory.

The Marshfield Area Community Foundation uses 725 square feet and their rental fees would have amounted to $1,479 in 2027 and $2,958 beginning in 2028.

Gust Gym would have been charged $3,202.80 for utilizing 1,570 square feet next year and $6,405.60 annually beginning in 2028.

The Marshfield Youth Soccer Association was facing rental fees of $326.40 in 2027 and $652.80 starting in 2028 for the 160 square feet it uses on the 2nd floor.

The Oak Avenue Community Center operates under the Parks and Recreation Department as a venue for sports, private rentals, classes, vendor and craft shows and community events.

The city currently charges $225 per day for organizations which rent the OACC gymnasium.