Works on updating salary, job description

By Sarah Nigbor

ELLSWORTH – At a special Ellsworth Village Board meeting June 29, the board moved forward with the next step in hiring a new administrator-clerk/treasurer by going over the job description. They reviewed examples from neighboring municipalities Baldwin and North Hudson.

“This job is very detailed and is like a catch-all,” said Trustee Dale Hines. “Anything and everything that is done in the village has to go through that person. There’s so much in the job description, it’s very overwhelming.”

Baldwin separated the duties of their clerk-administrator and treasurer, which Village President Becky Beissel liked. Borner suggested separating the two positions in the future, in case someone leaves the position, in order to have continuity and crossover knowledge.

“I mean at this point, I think we have a really good base, but it could use some edits,” she said.

The board decided Beissel would make some edits and bring the job description back to the full board at the July 11 meeting. They decided to approve the job posting, in order to get it out to the public.

As for the salary range, former Administrator Clerk/Treasurer Nicole Stewart, who was let go in June, made $81,000 per year. In order to attract quality candidates and match surrounding villages, the board decided to list the pay range as $90,000 to $100,000. Examples of other area municipalities includes:

• Baldwin – $93,475

• Osceola – $90,000 to $100,000 (who is also hiring)

• Durand – $79,000

• Amery – $86,000 “I think what makes it so hard is that it’s (the job) so broad,” Hines said. “Do we need to broaden that range to entice other applicants? It’s going to be hard to get someone with everything we’re asking for.”

The job description, which will be revised, includes the following requirements for those applying: Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or related field, master’s degree preferred.

Municipal clerk/treasurer work experience required; Wisconsin municipal clerk and/or treasurer certification desirable but not required.

Minimum of five years of local government work and supervisory experience Ability to use computer-based applications for word processing, financial management and database management.

Knowledge of municipal budgeting and financial management principles and practices, including fund accounting and utility accounting consistent with policies and rules set by state agencies and generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP).

Knowledge of human resources management principles and practices, including employee recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, discipline, compensation administration and labor negotiations and contract administration.

Knowledge of State of Wisconsin election legal requirements and administration of elections.

Knowledge of economic and community development issues and legal requirements. Understanding of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF), annexation, and inter-governmental agreements.

Knowledge of Federal and State election laws and regulations.

Ability to train and supervise others. For a full job description, visit villageofellsworth. org. Applications close July 31.

Other business

• The board appointed Julie Borner as the temporary village treasurer, along with her duties as temporary clerk-administrator. Trustee Andrew Borner abstained from the vote.

• The board approved discontinuing the child support administrative fee.

• Liquor and beer licenses were renewed for Common Man Tap & Table and Village Discount Liquor, for July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The two businesses had turned in their paperwork late, so were not approved in the previous batch of renewals.

• The board approved a contract totaling $164,390 with Fahrner Asphalt for the street slurry coat project.