Civic Center

Understanding how your city government works

By Robin Ginner

Eagle River City Administrator

Every day, the City of Eagle River provides essential services that many of us rely on without giving them much thought. Streets are maintained, snow is removed, drinking water is delivered, wastewater is treated, parks are cared for, emergency services are coordinated, permits are processed, and public meetings are held. 

Behind these services is a local government structure designed to ensure decisions are made openly,

responsibly, and in the best interests of the community.

Understanding how your city government works — and who is responsible for what — helps residents better understand local decision-making and how they can participate in the process.

Leadership team

The city council is Eagle River’s governing body. Council members are elected to establish policies, adopt ordinances, approve the budget, authorize expenditures, and make decisions that guide the city’s future. 

The council acts as a body, with decisions made through discussion and majority vote at public meetings.

The mayor serves as the city’s chief elected official, presides over council meetings, helps establish agendas, facilitates discussion, and works with the council and city staff to achieve community goals.

The city administrator manages the day-to-day operations of the city. Working under the direction of the mayor and council, the administrator oversees departments, prepares the budget, coordinates major projects, implements council policies, and also serves as Eagle River’s zoning administrator, overseeing development proposals and land use matters.

The city clerk helps ensure city government operates openly and in compliance with Wisconsin law by administering elections, maintaining official records, preparing meeting agendas and minutes, coordinating licenses and permits, and overseeing compliance with Wisconsin’s Open Meetings and Public Records laws.

The city treasurer safeguards the city’s finances by collecting taxes, managing investments, maintaining financial records, and ensuring public funds are properly accounted for.

Departments that keep Eagle River running

Supporting the city’s leadership are dedicated employees who provide the services residents depend on every day.

The Department of Public Works maintains streets, sidewalks, parks, public facilities, city equipment, and provides snow removal and many other services that keep Eagle River operating year-round.

The Light and Water Department delivers safe drinking water and reliable electric service, operates the city’s water and sanitary sewer systems, treats drinking water, and responds to utility outages and emergencies.

The Police Department, working in partnership with the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, provides law enforcement, emergency response, traffic safety, crime prevention, and community policing to help keep Eagle River a safe place to live, work, and visit.

The Eagle River Municipal Golf Course is another important city operation. In addition to providing an outstanding recreational amenity, it generates revenue that helps support city operations and reduces the amount that otherwise would need to be funded through property taxes.

Working together

Effective local government depends on teamwork. Elected officials establish policies and priorities, while professional staff deliver the services residents rely on every day.

Just as importantly, local government depends on an informed and engaged public. city council meetings are open to everyone, and residents are encouraged to attend meetings, stay informed, and participate in the decisions that shape Eagle River’s future.

We hope this weekly series provides a better understanding of how your city government works and encourages greater involvement in our community.

Did you know?

Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law generally requires city council meetings to be open to the public.

Meeting agendas and approved minutes are available through the city clerk’s office and on the city’s website at eagleriverwi.gov.

Local government often has the greatest day-to-day impact on residents — from streets and utilities to public safety, parks, and community planning.