Council approves consultant for city assessor amid recruitment challenges

In the heart of Oshkosh City Hall, council members gathered on April 8, 2025, to address pressing municipal matters, including the recruitment of a city assessor and updates on the water filtration system. The meeting, marked by a blend of routine governance and heartfelt farewells, showcased the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement.

One of the key discussions centered around the ongoing challenge of hiring a city assessor. With the city struggling to fill the position, council members acknowledged the vital role of the assessor in managing various municipal tasks, including property evaluations. The city has enlisted the help of Associated Appraisal Consultants, a firm already serving 45 other communities in Wisconsin, to ensure that essential functions continue smoothly during this transition. This decision aims to maintain the integrity of the city's assessment processes while addressing the immediate staffing gap.

As the meeting progressed, council members turned their attention to upcoming events, including a reorganizational meeting scheduled for April 15, where the current council will officially pass the baton to newly elected members. This transition was underscored by Council Member Ressler's poignant farewell speech, reflecting on his years of service and the challenges that lie ahead for the council. He expressed confidence in the incoming leadership and emphasized the importance of respecting the electoral process, regardless of individual outcomes.

The council also celebrated a significant milestone in civic engagement, noting a record turnout of over 21,000 ballots cast in the recent April election. This surge in participation, attributed to increased early voting and absentee ballot options, highlights a growing commitment among residents to engage in local governance. Council members praised the efforts of city staff and volunteers who facilitated the election process, ensuring that it ran smoothly and efficiently.

In addition to personnel matters and electoral updates, the council received an important report on the ongoing construction project at the water filtration plant. The replacement of the ozone generator system is a critical upgrade aimed at enhancing water quality. During this period, the city will temporarily rely on chlorine as a disinfectant, a measure approved by the Department of Natural Resources. City officials assured residents that water quality remains stable and that communication efforts are in place to keep the community informed about the project's progress.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council's discussions reflected a blend of routine governance and significant community engagement, setting the stage for a new chapter in Oshkosh's leadership. With a focus on transparency and collaboration, the council is poised to tackle the challenges ahead, ensuring that the voices of residents continue to shape the future of their city.