Trustees authorize early hire and limited fund-balance use to cover utility clerk training overlap

The Village of East Troy Board of Trustees authorized hiring a replacement utility clerk early to allow for on-the-job training overlap, and approved a contingency of up to $10,000 from fund balance if later surpluses do not cover the related overtime and benefits costs.

Administrator Eileen told trustees the current administration wages are already at 62% of budgeted wages year-to-date versus the expected 50%, largely because of the retiring clerk’s leave payouts and an overlap in coverage. She estimated six weeks of overlap in 2025 plus one month of additional benefits, producing an estimated $8,522 in additional wages. Allocation of that cost would be 50% to administration wages, 25% to the water fund and 25% to the sewer fund.

Eileen said the village typically waits and covers such payouts with year-end surpluses, and that fund balance reserves exist if needed. She recommended hiring early because the training period is important for operational continuity. A trustee moved to permit early hiring and to allow up to $10,000 from fund balance if surpluses are not available; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Eileen also clarified the $8,522 estimate applies to the outgoing employee Chelsea’s position specifically. No further budget amendment was adopted at the meeting; trustees directed staff to proceed and to address any necessary formal budget adjustments later in the year if surpluses do not cover the costs.