Dear editor,

On Tuesday April 17,2018, the Town of McMillan held its annual meeting. This is the meeting that allows the citizens of the township to present items to be voted on by the community as a whole.

A group wanted to propose to eliminate the positions of town clerk and town treasurer as appointed positions, and to become elective positions. This proposal did not get to a motion, because of a technicality that states that townships of less than 2,500 population can only change this with an ordinance change by the town board.

A motion was then made, and seconded, that a recommendation be made to the board to adopt an ordinance to change these positions from appointed to elective positions and be placed on the ballot in odd numbered years.

A very lively discussion followed with the pros and cons of these changes. It was pointed out that in all of the state of Wisconsin townships, only approximately eight percent have appointed treasurers, and approximately only 15 percent have appointed clerks. In Marathon County, of the 42 Townships, only two townships have appointed treasurers and clerks.

It appears that the township of McMillan is in the minority of how these positions are filled.

After the discussion, a ballot vote was called for to recommend that the board adopt an ordinance to change these positions from appointed to elective, and be on the ballot for the spring 2019 election. The paper ballot showed 46 votes for the change and 28 votes against the change. The majority of those present voted to the board for a change from appointed positions to elective positions.

Many feel that this reflects the feeling of the majority of the citizens of the township, and now it is up to the board to act and see if they comply with the will of the people.

William (Bill) Arneson
Marshfield, WI