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Lake Geneva could combine treasurer, deputy clerk jobs

LAKE GENEVA — A referendum on the November ballot will let voters in Lake Geneva decide if the positions of treasurer and deputy clerk should be combined into one job.

Both positions are elected, but the person filing the new combined job would be appointed by the city council.

The idea of combining the two positions was suggested by an internal controls audit of the city in 2009, and the referendum on the proposed ordinance was discussed in 2011 and earlier this year by the city council.

Lake Geneva City Administrator Dennis Jordan said that because the treasurer position in Lake Geneva is not a full-time job, the combined position could offer more flexibility. He noted the treasurer/deputy clerk could help in other areas, such as human resources.

"This is a bit different than a person running for alderman or mayor," Jordan said. "Statutorily, the treasurer collects taxes, provides the council a monthly report on their finances and invests the city's money. I would hope the citizens would not want just anyone to fill that position.

"If it were an appointed position, the city would provide a job description, minimum qualifications and advertise the position."

Under the proposed ordinance, the current treasurer would serve out the term that expires in April 2014, when the new position would be filled. The deputy clerk/treasurer would receive annual job evaluations.

Lake Geneva City Clerk Mike Hawes said a salary for the position has not been determined. The treasurer, a part-time position, pays $16,000, and the deputy clerk's salary is $36,889.