Marshfield council adopts 2026 budget, moves $21,300 for airport terminal removal

The Marshfield City Council voted to adopt the city’s 2026 budget and levy Resolution 2025-35 after a brief presentation by City Administrator Steve Barr and no public comments during the hearing. Barr told the council the package reflects minor adjustments since the October budget meeting and recommended approval unless members wanted last‑minute changes.

Barr said the budget proposal would raise the tax rate to about $8.37 per $1,000 of assessed value, “That’s an increase of 3.93%,” and pointed to two major drivers of the levy increase: a voter‑approved referendum (about $250,000 on the levy) and the first year’s payment under a settlement with a clinic (roughly $350,000). Together, Barr said, those items account for most of the rise in the levy.

The administrator also noted a line moved into contingency: $21,300 has been allocated for removing the former airport terminal building, an item that drew public attention earlier in the meeting. Barr recommended the council approve Resolution 2025-35 setting the 2026 levy and budget.

Councilors made a motion and voted to approve the resolution. The transcript records the motion passing but does not provide a roll‑call tally.

Officials said staff will continue to provide periodic checkpoints on major items in the budget year and will return to the council if significant changes are needed.