Plum Lake clerk, treasurer to be appointed positions following electors vote

Electors in the Town of Plum Lake passed measures during the March 10 special meeting for the town to appoint clerk and treasurer positions instead of electing them.

The first question read, “To adopt a resolution under Wis. Stat. § 60.30(1e) to change the office of Town Clerk from an elected position to an appointed position, effective at the end of the current term of office.” The second, “To adopt a resolution under Wis. Stat. § 60.30(1e) to change the office of Town Treasurer from an elected position to an appointed position, effective at the end of the current term of office.”

Both resolutions garnered a 51-9 vote in favor. Another question that read, “To authorize the Town Board to establish terms and conditions of employment consistent with Wisconsin Statutes” was also passed 57-3.

One of the biggest reasons towns have been moving forward with resolutions like these are the residency limits involved.

To be elected as clerk or treasurer, candidates must reside within the town in order to be placed on the ballot. If being appointed, the hiring pool gets larger because residency is not a factor. Town officials can instead hire based on qualifications and experience.

There also is more performance oversight for appointed individuals. Performance issues for elected positions could only be addressed at election time, whereas issues with appointed clerks and treasurers can be raised to the town board during meetings.