Informational sessions to be held for Marshfield’s Public Safety Referendum

MARSHFIELD – On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, city voters will consider a property tax increase to fund the hiring and retention of two firefighters/paramedics, restoring staffing levels to those of 2021. Voters will be asked if they support raising the levy by 1.636%, totaling $256,903 each fiscal year, resulting in a total levy of $15,960,894.
According to the City of Marshfield, there has been a 48% increase in the demand for fire/emergency medical services (EMS), which has grown from 2000 to 2024. Additionally, emergency calls have jumped from 2,390 in 2000 to 3,543 in 2024. The city also says they are facing an 18% growth in overlapping emergency calls from 2016 to 2023.
If the referendum is approved, the annual property tax will increase by an estimated $1.11 per month for every $100,000 of property value, starting with bills issued in Dec. 2025. For example, the impact on a property valued at $100,000 would be $13.28 annually.
“We are at a pivotal moment in determining the future of fire and EMS services in our community. As the city continues to expand its limits with limited infrastructure to support public safety, it is critical that we return to our 2021 staffing levels to ensure we can meet increasing demands and maintain effective emergency response,” said Fire Chief Everett Mueller.
The City is holding public informational meetings for those interested in learning more about the public safety referendum. Those meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times: