April 19 vote rescinded at special town meeting

By Robert Cloud

Dayton residents overturned the decision to replace two elected officials with one hired position.

A large crowd came to Waupaca High School for a special town meeting Wednesday, June 8. They were there to reconsider a 37-15 vote at the April 19 annual town meeting to eliminate the elected offices of town clerk and treasurer.

Those at the June 8 meeting voted 182-74 to rescind the April 19 vote.

There has been ongoing debate regarding the cost of hiring someone to do the work of both the clerk and treasurer.

Town Chairman Dave Armstrong said his research shows it would cost about $30,000 for a part-time position, while it would cost about $45,000 for a full-time position. He said his figures only included compensation and not office expenses.

The town is paying a total of $32,000 for the two elected positions, Armstrong said.

Armstrong noted his research also found that an extensive annual audit, which would be required if the two positions are replaced by one, would cost between $6,000 and $8,000. Currently, the town pays $1,500 for its annual audit.

Bob Dixon was one of the 37 people who voted in favor of having a paid position.

“It’s not costing us more, it’s costing us less,” Dixon said. “Dave and all of our people were elected to save us money and they’re doing that by combining these positions.”

Joe Leean, a former state senator and state secretary of health, is also a Dayton resident. He spoke in favor of rescinding the April 19 vote.

“I’m going to vote to rescind because I don’t think we know enough,” Leean said. “We haven’t had time as voters to really look at the issue.”

Leean said a decision to eliminate elected offices should be made through a referendum.