Kronenwetter Village Hall. MWC file photo.
KRONENWETTER, WI (WSAU) — The Kronenwetter Village Board has accepted the resignation of Duane Gau as Interim Administrator, effective immediately.
Village President Chris Voll says it’s just another twist in a saga that dates back to mid-2022 when they parted ways with Richard Downey, but he hopes that they are closer to the end of this story than the beginning. Last week the Board approved the posting of a job description for the position, and they have started taking applications.
“I would expect some applicants in the next couple of weeks,” said Voll. “I’m hopeful that it goes kind of quickly [over the next] two, three weeks- process time for the applicants to send in resumes and schedule interviews.”
Gau cited a family medical emergency as the reason for the termination, though did offer to be available to help staff with any issues that may come up with projects that are in progress. He thanked each member of the Board of Trustees individually following the vote to accept his resignation and told them that they were a pleasure to work with before he left Monday’s meeting.
Public Administration Associates, Gau’s full-time employer, had been billing the Village for his services. Gau was not an employee of the Village.
Police Chief Terry McHugh will handle some Administrator duties for now. Voll says that includes any issues that may come up later this week as the Public Works department prepares to battle a multi-day winter storm. “Our crew, our staff do a really good job even though a lot of those guys are new. Chief will be interim to step in for some big decisions this week if there is anything that comes up; issues with plowing, emergency issues, or any breakdowns.
“I’m a phone call away as well,” added Voll.
Board members discussed offering a temporary Administrator contract to Trustee Sean Dumais, who said he would be interested in serving. Though no formal vote was taken to make such an offer, as some on the Board said they would like to see his resume first before taking any other action. Dumais added that the move could be allowed as long as it is temporary, he does not draw a salary greater than the equivalent of $15,000 annually, and provided that a hard end date is set so he knows when he can return to his other businesses.
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