Voters say yes to clerk, treasurer being appointed

Town of Fredonia voters last week approved a referendum that would make the town clerk and treasurer offices appointees of the Town Board instead of directly elected by voters.

The referendum passed 686 in favor over 428 opposed to the measure.

The ballot question asked: “Shall the persons holding the office of town clerk and town treasurer in the Town of Fredonia be appointed by the Town Board?”

The Town Board passed an ordinance in June to change the clerk and treasurer positions from elected to appointed. But their decision needed approval by a majority of town electors.

Under the ordinance, a majority of the board can appoint a clerk and treasurer for a term to not exceed three years and reappoint the same person for multiple terms. Removal from office can be for cause.

The salary of the positions will be set by the Town Board.

The town’s current clerk is Bob Eichner. The current treasurer is Jean Wills​.

Town Chairman Rich Mueller said in a letter published in Ozaukee Press before the election that “the Town Board is 100% behind” Eichner and Wills and indicated they would be appointed to the jobs if the referendum passed.