By John McLoone

Laurie Neely was appointed to the open seat on the Ellsworth Village Board Monday night.

The board debated holding off on filling the position or holding a special election. However, Village President Becky Beissel said that if there’s someone interested in the position, it’s best to have a village board at full strength. The position came open with the resignation of Scott Feuerhelm.

“Laurie came as a referral from (supervisor) Andrew Borner. She’s willing to step in and fill the role. She seems like she’s great. She has a background in IT (information technology). I think she’ll be a great addition to the board.”

Neely is employed as a computer/network technician with the Ellsworth Community School District.

Supervisor Lance Austin advocated for keeping the seat open until an election can be held.

“If that seat stayed open, could it be on the ballot for November, in case other people in the village want to get out there and campaign. Nothing against Laurie,” he said.

Attorney Robert Loberg said a special election could be held. Whether that special election could be coupled with the November election would have to be studied.

Beissel said that with the changes in staffing in the village, having a board member take that empty seat will be a big help.

“Yes, we can function. However, we are short a seat. That puts pressure on everyone on the board, including the president,” she said. “If someone is willing to take the seat, it’s good to fill it. The last two elections we haven’t had a full slate of candidates. It’s not like people are knocking down the doors. I think it’s a good idea to fill the seat.” Borner advocated for Neely.

“She’s a thoughtful person. She thinks things through,” he said. “She’s very smart. She’s lived in Ellsworth for many years.”

Supervisor Mindy Anderson agreed. “I think she’d be good. She’s very good at her job,” she said.

Austin voted no to the appointment. “I think we should wait, but that’s me,” he said.

Comprehensive plan update

Beissel said that the community feedback phase of the new comprehensive plan that’s in the works is finished and a draft of the plan is expected soon. She said a steering committee will study the document and it will be presented at the September board meeting.

“It’s on schedule for board approval in September. It’s exciting to see that come together,” she said.

Administrator/clerk-treasurer job description The board unanimously approved the job description for the open administrator/ clerk-treasurer position.

Beissel said that there have been several prospective candidates for the position who have responded to a job posting already seeking the job description.

The position came open when the board voted 4-2 in late June to terminate the employment of the village’s first administrator/clerk-treasurer, Nicole Stewart. She was hired in 2020.

Julie Borner is currently helping the village as interim clerk. She reported to the board that she has undergone training for the August primary election and is making sure the village has election workers and that they receive the required training.