Neillsville City Council Approves Ordinance Language Regarding the New City Administrator Position

Thursday, February 26th, 2026 -- 10:01 AM

The Neillsville City Council approved some changes to the language of the ordinance regarding the restructuring of positions for city officials including adding a City Administrator.

Council Member Dan Clough stated that Sec. 101-4 has the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer reporting to two people, this is bad practice. That person should report to a supervisor (Clerk-Treasurer) who in turn reports to the Administrator.

Mayor Dewey Poeschel asked if legal counsel had reviewed the ordinance. Council Member Barb Petkovsek stated “yes”, the City Attorney did not have a problem with the language and he would have to defend it if a problem arose.

Council Member Petkovsek stated the other change made by the City Attorney was to remove the Chief of Police probationary language and instead references Wis. Stats. § 62.13. Council Member Clough state Sec. 101-7 has the Fire Chief under the direction of the Mayor. The Chief of Police is also under the direction of the Mayor in the current ordinance and that is not being changed.

Council Member Petkovsek stated that the job descriptions have been reviewed by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Attorney, the duties have remained as approved but they are requesting formatting changes. The Council approved the ordinance. Council Member Clough asked for a copy of the At-Will Employment contract with the Administrator/Director of Public Works.

The Council also accepted the recommendation to promote Debbie Winder to City Clerk-Treasurer, effective May 1, 2026. The Council also accepted the recommendation that the City Clerk-Treasurer wage be set at $62,821.60 (which includes $2,500 for IT Coordinator duties), effective May 1st.

The Council then accepted the recommendation that the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer wage be set at $48,402, effective May 1, 2026. The Council accepted the recommendation that the Water Operator, Sewer Operator, Street Department First Operator and Cemetery Sexton/Parks Director be given a pay increase of $1.00 per hour ($2,080 annually), effective May 1, 2026.

Council Member Clough asked if all these wage increases are budget neutral. Mayor Poeschel stated there will be about a $3,000 deficit because of insurance and he called the vote.

The Council also accepted the recommendation to approve the adoption of the At-Will Employment Agreement with Luke Friemoth as City Administrator/Public Works Director.

Council Member Petkovsek stated upon legal review the City Attorney recommended severance payment language stating that in event of termination without cause payment of six months of salary and health insurance would be provided.

Council Member Carrissa Rochester questioned what happens if the City gets into this and Friemoth says this is not for him and he withdraws? Can he remain as the Director of Public Works?

Council Member Petkovsek stated there is no provision for that, the City would have to decide at that point if they want to move forward with the Administrator/Public Works Director position or split it apart. Mayor Poeschel stated the duties are separated in the job descriptions and he called the vote.

Chief of Police Jim Mankowski reported on:

• Training,
• The purchase of a Latitude Fentanyl Filter Hood,
• Squad car maintenance,
• Parking enforcement, citations, warnings, office activity, officer activities, officer assists, business patrols and contract policing.

City Clerk Rex Roehl reported that:

• The WI Department of Revenue has accepted and approved the TIF District Affordable Housing Extension for TID No. 3.

Council Member Petkovsek reported on the February 17, 2026 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding:

• Discussion on and recommendation on a split vote to approve adoption of the “Officers and Employees – Chapter 101” ordinance changes pending review by the City Attorney,
• Discussion on and recommendation on a split vote to approve adoption of the At-Will Employment Agreement with Luke Friemoth as City Administrator/Public Works Director, effective May 1, 2026 pending review by the City Attorney,
• Discussion on and recommendation on a split vote the promotion of Debbie Winder to City Clerk-Treasurer, effective May 1, 2026,
• Discussion on and recommendation on a split vote that the City Clerk-Treasurer wage be set at $62,821.60 (which includes $2,500 for IT Coordinator duties), effective May 1, 2026,
• Discussion on a recommendation on a split vote that the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer wage be set at $48,402.00, effective May 1, 2026,
• And iscussion on and recommendation on a split vote that the Water Operator, Sewer Operator, Street Department First Operator and Cemetery Sexton/Parks Director be given a pay increase of $1.00 per hour ($2,080 annually), effective May 1, 2026.

Council Member Clough reported the February 18, 2026 meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee regarding:

• Two bronze historic land marker plaques have been received and will be installed when weather permits,
• Update on the 1897 Clark County Jail building,
• Discussion on QR Codes, website, self-guided Cemetery tours and a STQRY.com demo,
• Discussion on the annual report to the National Parks Service,
• Discussion on and approval to submit a Room Tax Grant application,
• Discussion on historic properties with and without plaques,
• Update on fund balances,
• And discussion on and approval for reimbursement of website renewal costs paid by Natalie Erpenbach.

Council Member Clough reported on the February 24, 2026 meeting of the Commission of Public Works/Utilities regarding:

• Current activities,
• And payment of bills.

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