Tonight, the Judiciary and Administration Committee discussed an ordinance that would create the position.
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – A proposal to create a city administrator position in La Crosse is moving to Common Council for further consideration after a similar measure was voted down in February.
The Judiciary and Administration Committee discussed a charter ordinance Wednesday that would create the position and shift some administrative responsibilities from the mayor to a city administrator.
Several residents spoke in favor of the proposal during the public hearing. While some acknowledged concerns about adding the position during the city’s budget deficit, they argued a city administrator could improve efficiency and help address the city’s financial challenges.
Others opposed the proposal, expressing concerns about adding another administrative position and whether city leaders were listening to residents.
During the hearing, Parks, Recreation, Forestry and City Buildings and Grounds Director Jay Odegard said discussions surrounding the proposal have affected city employees. While acknowledging the city faces challenges, he said those conversations should not define the organization’s workforce.
Odegard continued saying the public often hears about problems but not the work hundreds of employees do each day to maintain parks and streets, provide public safety and deliver other city services.
Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey also opposed the ordinance. While he agreed improvements are needed at City Hall, he said creating a city administrator should not be viewed as a guaranteed solution.
“When we just shove one position and say this position is going to be the savior of the city of La Crosse, that is a false narrative that you push to department heads, city staff, and also to residents and business owners and developers that this one position is going to be what comes and all of a sudden makes the city great again,” Washington-Spivey said.
Ordinance co-sponsor Larry Sleznikow said the proposal is returning as the city begins work on its operating budget and believes the position should be part of that discussion.
Sleznikow also said residents have had ample opportunity over the past several months to share their views. Addressing concerns about cost, he argued a city administrator would create efficiencies that would offset the position’s salary over time. He said the compensation would represent roughly one-third of one percent of the city’s operating budget and believes the long-term benefits would provide greater financial and organizational stability.
The proposal now moves to the La Crosse Common Council for consideration on Aug. 13.
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