Marathon County EEED & HRFC Committee Meeting - 9/9/26

The Marathon County EEED & HRFC Committee held a joint meeting on September 9, 2026, to discuss redevelopment efforts related to the Marathon Center for Arts and Culture campus. The meeting focused heavily on reviewing four proposals submitted in response to a county-issued RFP for various campus properties, including the central heating plant, fieldhouse, arts buildings, and other parcels. Proposals ranged from repurposing the central heating plant for small business use, to the Wisconsin Ice Volleyball Club seeking to acquire athletic facilities, the City of Wausau proposing a comprehensive campus redevelopment, and the Center for the Visual Arts aiming to expand their arts programming. The committees also considered a proposal from the Parks Department to operate the fieldhouse as a community recreation center. Discussions included financial terms, operational plans, and potential tax-exempt status for nonprofit use. The meeting concluded with motions to enter closed session for further negotiation and consideration of the proposals, including the creation of an executive director position for the Marathon Center for Arts and Culture. The closed session was approved by roll call vote pursuant to Wisconsin statutes for competitive bargaining reasons.