Town ‘keeping options open’ in search for clerk

The Town of Grafton is still searching for a new clerk but is “keeping options open” to shuffle positions around as opportunities arise, Town Chairman Lester Bartel said Monday.

Bartel said the town is searching for a clerk with experience in the field, although  applicants with different backgrounds will be considered.

“We are flexible depending on what opportunity presents itself,” he said.

The departure of Clerk Sara Jacoby last month left Town Hall operations in the hands of Treasurer Bonnie Bartel, Lester’s wife, ahead of the February primary and during tax collection season.

She’s received part-time help from Town of Saukville Clerk Raquel Engelke and Town of Port Clerk Heather Krueger, although Town Hall had to close for a week at the end of last month when the Bartels went on vacation.

The town also recently hired an administrative assistant.

Bartel said Engelke and Krueger have been big helps.

“They have been godsends and invaluable,” he said.

He added that Bonnie has also been working hard, putting in 60 hours a week since the vacancy.

“If she wasn’t my wife, I’d be saying the same thing,” he said. “The Town of Grafton owes a debt of gratitude to Bonnie.”