Elk, Worcester differ on clerk-treasurer requirements

The town of Elk citizens voted down two ballot questions that would have allowed the town clerk and the town treasurer positions to be appointed by the town board in the Wisconsin Spring Election on April 2. The town of Worcester voters went the other way in approving the change.

The vote in Elk on allowing clerk appointments was 131 for and 199 against, while the vote on allowing appointment treasurers was 126 for and 204 against.

Elk Town Board Chair Tom Frane said the town board wanted the resolutions passed in order to keep current treasurer Joseph Neerdaels on the job. He is considering a change of address outside of the town boundaries and would no longer be eligible under the current requirements.

“He is doing a great job and will still be working in the area,” Frame said of Neerdaels. “If we could get this resolution passed, we could appoint him to stay in the same position as treasurer after his term expires in April of 2025.”

The town board will discuss the referendums again at its annual town meeting, he said. The intent of the board is to go through the process of placing the resolutions on the ballot again in November.

“This would increase the pool of candidates for the clerk and treasurer for the town of Elk to find a good qualified candidate for either position as the need would present itself,” Frame said. “I think it is in the best interest of the town of Elk to have more options to get the most qualified person in these positions when needed.”

If the town were able to appoint the clerk or treasurer, the residency requirement would no longer be an issue, he said. But whether they are elected or appointed, the position would still carry the same responsibilities and voting status.

The town of Worcester had the same issue on the appointed clerk and treasurer combined into one ballot question. Voters approved the change with 266 for and 214 against, and going forward the town will be able to appoint eligible candidates who live outside of the township.

Worcester voters also authorized the town board to sell two unimproved land parcels consisting of 25.4 acres along East Solberg Lake Road. The vote allows the public land to be sold for private use and developed into multiple housing lots.