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Monona committee amends 2025 budget to maintain full‑time administrative position
Summary
The committee approved a budget amendment on Aug. 4 to restore a full‑time deputy clerk/administrative support position by reallocating funds from judicial/legal and other accounts; officials said the change aims to improve front‑counter service and internal redundancy with minimal levy impact.
The Committee of the City of Monona on Aug. 4 approved Resolution 25-8-2820 to amend the 2025 operating budget and maintain a full‑time administrative/deputy clerk position in the administration department. City staff said the change converts an unfilled part‑time court clerk position back into a full‑time administrative support role to cover counter service, phones, and technical backup for accounts payable and payroll.
City staff described the amendment as largely funded through internal reallocations rather than a property tax levy increase. Staff said the budget change adds $18,456 (presented in the meeting as $18,456 and $18,500 for related contingencies) for the remainder of 2025; the position’s cost is split between the general fund and utility funds, with $8,676–$8,679 charged to the clerk’s budget and $3,259 allocated to each of water, sewer and storm funds.
City staff said funds will be taken from several places: the judicial/legal account (reducing outside counsel budget for court work handled by Bill Kohl’s firm), approximately $1,000 from retired health insurance, and de‑obligations in utility repair and miscellaneous expenses. Public works assisted with a modest workspace reconfiguration so the position can be accommodated at the front counter.
Neil (staff) explained the personnel background: the city lost a combined court clerk/deputy clerk hire when the new hire could not maintain employment; the municipal judge subsequently hired a part‑time court clerk, leaving a 50% gap in counter coverage. The amendment restores a deputy clerk as an administrative support position to provide redundancy on phones, counter service, and back‑office tasks.
Leah (staff) and other committee members discussed operational details, including the insurance cost difference between single and family coverage and uncertainty about the exact insurance election of a future hire. Mark asked about the ongoing impact beyond 2025; staff said the amendment positions the budget correctly for next year so future changes would be limited to regular salary adjustments.
Committee members emphasized the need for quicker recruitment to avoid coverage gaps during vacations and lunches at the counter. One member asked where the new employee would be seated; staff described a three‑person modular workspace behind the counter and thanked Public Works for assistance.
The committee moved and seconded the budget amendment; members voted in favor and the motion carried.
