Elections
City administrator proposal goes to La Crosse common council without a recommendation from committee
When La Crosse’s city council was asked last October to create the post of city administrator, the council put off a final decision until May. Now that it’s almost May, council members say they need even more time to work on the administrator idea.
The full council could vote next week on whether to put off that hiring decision again, until early next year, to give city residents a chance to speak out. City human resources director Rebecca Franzen tells the council’s judiciary committee says a delay could put off the need to spend money on creating the new position.
“I don’t expect impacts to the 2026 budget, as far as the salary and benefits would go for this position if approved,” said Franzen.
A study group which has debated the need for an administrator since late last year wants more time, to get public reaction to the proposal. “We’re hearing a lot of conversation, a lot of interest, definitely some pros and cons,” says council member Larry Sleznikow, who has been serving on that study group. He says the group has not gathered comments from the public yet on the plan.
City leaders say if a decision is made to hire an administrator, it could take 6 to 9 months to actually fill that job. An administrator could be paid almost $200,000 a year. La Crosse voters rejected the administrator proposal in a 2012 referendum.
Yvonne Johnston
April 29, 2025 at 10:23 pm
La Crosse does not need a city Administrator. What will that person do that other departments can’t do. Combine the Mayor’s position with the Administrator. I think the Mayor’s job ceremonial at most, so think about this idea.
nick
April 30, 2025 at 7:43 am
The article states that the position will pay around $200,000 is that with or without benefits? If without, what is the total cost? We should be told the salary and the benefit package for the total cost before a vote is taken. Will this city administrator need an assistant?
The article states comments have been made but public opinion may or may not be wanted.
How can anyone comment with there are no hard facts to review?
Tell me the compensation package , the duties that will be assigned to the position and maybe then I would comment.
This is ridiculous that it is taking this long.
Come On Man
April 30, 2025 at 8:38 am
I agree with Yvonne.
If you want a City Administrator, eliminate the mayor’s job and salary to help offset the proposed ($200K) Administrator’s salary.
Shaking the hands of business owners or running the monthly meetings can be handled by the Common Council President.
Paying the salary of the mayor ($90K?) and a city administrator ($200K with benefits) with the idea of running the city with more efficiency and saving money seems counterproductive.
More like creating another layer of government at the taxpayers’ expense.
Sam
May 1, 2025 at 2:34 pm
I don’t want a city administrator because they would be an unelected politician. We have a weak mayor system. We shouldn’t mess with it. I don’t know why people run for mayor if they don’t think that they can do the job.