STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Will the City of Stevens Point enlist a City Administrator?
That’s the debate coming to the City Council next week. Mayor Mike Wiza says he welcomes the discussion, but right now doesn’t see how the position would benefit the taxpayers. “Unless we can save more [money] than what it costs it doesn’t make sense for the taxpayers. You also take a little bit of responsibility away from the taxpayers.”
He says that’s especially concerning at the start of the budget season when Wiza told department heads to craft their 2025 spending plans without an increase in revenue.
The idea began bubbling under the surface earlier this summer. Wiza said since then he’s reached out to communities large and small that operate with and without an Administrator. In some areas, they take the burden of Administrative duties off the elected official. Cities with larger staff also find the position helpful, but those areas that don’t have one are in no hurry to hire one, mostly because of the costs associated with the position.
Wiza says he would also be concerned about having such an important position be unaccountable to the voters. “If you are not doing a good job, the people will vote you out. The voters are savvy enough to understand what is and isn’t good enough for the city.
“They become a regular employee and they have certain rights. You can’t just vote them out if they’re screwing up. You have to go through a process,” added Wiza.
The proposal is expected to be discussed at the committee level on Monday, August 12th. Residents who want to give feedback for or against the proposal are encouraged to contact their Alder or the city’s HR department.
Other topics Wiza discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Countdown to first-year student move-in day
5:45- Budget update
10:45- City Administrator?
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