Council Favors Longer Terms For City Treasurer, Clerk

The Oak Creek Common Council is on track to lengthen the terms of city treasurer and clerk to three years.

Though the elections haven't drawn much attention in recent years, those positions have been on the ballot every two years. (In many other communities, people are hired for those jobs like any other city employee.)

Alderman Dan Bukiewicz proposed changing the ordinance to ensure continuity in what is an "essential" part of the city's operations, he said. 

"I believe this is a long-term benefit for the city," he said. "These are positions that are not easily replaced."

Other aldermen and Mayor Dick Bolender agreed. The measure was passed on a 5-0 vote, with Alderman Ken Gehl absent.

"I don't believe anyone can just walk into the and become efficient with a city this big," Bolender said. "This is big business - it's a $22 (million) to $23 million budget."

The current Oak Creek treasurer is Barbara Guckenberger and clerk is Pam Bauer. 

The change likely won't become official until October. Changing a "charter ordinance" like this one is different than a normal city law. It doesn't take effect until 60 days after publication, and in the interim, a petition could be filed asking the measure to be approved through referendum, rather than a council vote.

The next election for clerk and treasurer will be held in April 2012.