Marshfield Utilities 11-9-26

The Marshfield Utilities Commission meeting on November 9, 2026, included a second review of the operations and maintenance and capital budgets; neither budget was approved, with final consideration planned for December. The capital forecast includes about $4.594 million in electric capital expenditures, including $1.2 million for substation transformers, and about $6.1 million in water capital expenditures, including lead service replacements, water-main work, and the PFAS project. The PFAS project is estimated at about $11 million, with roughly $4.3 million in bond proceeds and an expected $7 million in principal forgiveness. The commission also discussed cash-flow effects from ATC investments and capital calls, with staff to provide visibility on the proposed economic-development position in the next budget review. The commission approved CLA’s statement of audit services for the 2026 audit; the fee amount was not clearly stated in the transcript. It also approved bills and payroll, with no amounts specified.

The commission voted to direct staff to develop a proposed economic-development position description, estimated compensation and program costs, reporting structure, and first-year work plan. The position was not yet included in the budget; staff noted it could require utility operating funds or cash reserves, and a commissioner requested that it be shown for budgeting purposes at the next review. In closed session, the commission considered negotiation strategy for the Great Lakes Utilities Management Services Agreement, the Great Lakes Utilities Marshfield Generation Project Turbine Agreement, and the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Purchase Power Agreement, as well as PFAS litigation; no outcomes were reported in the transcript.