City of Marshfield. MWC file photo.
MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) – Marshfield aldermen heard a presentation last night stemming from questions that came up during the investigative hearings which led to the removal of the Mayor from office in late March: does the city have the right form of government in place? And if not, is now the time to make a change, with the Mayor’s office sitting empty?
The Common Council heard from the foremost experts on the subject–Executive Director Jerry Deschane and Deputy Executive Director Curt Witynski from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. When it comes to choosing a form of government, Deschane told the Council there is no right or wrong answer. “but the changes you decide on will have a ripple effect, perhaps for a hundred years, Deschane said.
Witynski did note that Marshfield currently has the most popular form of government used by Wisconsin cities–a part-time Mayor and a full-time City Administrator governed by an elected Council.
Back in April when the Council was deciding whether to appoint an interim Mayor, hold a special election or leave the office vacant until the next regular general election in 2022, Alderman Rebecca Spiros said she was interested in hearing more about doing away with the positions of Mayor and City Administrator, and switching to a City Manager–which Witynski said would be hired by the Common Council.
Only 10 Wisconsin cities currently use the Council-Manager form of government. 13 Wisconsin cities — including Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau and Stevens Point — have a full-time Mayor with no Manager or Administrator.
Marshfield Aldermen only heard the League’s presentation, and did not have a discussion on the matter, or take any votes.
The Council could change Marshfield’s form of government with a three-quarters super-majority. The public could also petition the Council for a referendum on any governmental changes.
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