Kiel City Administrator David Fonkow resigns, cites council culture and boundary issues

KIEL, Wis. — Kiel City Administrator David Fonkow announced his resignation to the city council Wednesday, saying repeated public criticisms and what he called “no boundaries” from some council members left him unable to continue.

Fonkow said he gave up a well-paid private-sector job and suspended his retirement to serve the city, but that a series of incidents — including a public accusation during a procurement matter he described as unfounded — became the final impetus for his decision.

“There's a false myth that I've been collecting my retirement double dipping. That is not the truth,” Fonkow said in a lengthy statement to the council. He described late-night texts and calls about nonemergency matters, public comments from elected members that undercut him publicly, and repeated questioning that he said undermined staff and department heads.

Fonkow urged the council to examine its approach to personnel oversight and suggested consulting the League of Wisconsin Municipalities about appropriate boundaries for elected officials. He also encouraged the council to rely on department heads as “insulators” to protect staff from unwarranted direct contact by elected officials.

Several council members responded that they were surprised and saddened by the resignation. One member said the council needed exit interviews and follow-up to identify causes and improve culture.

The council moved to accept Fonkow’s resignation effective Dec. 5, 2025. A roll-call vote was taken; the motion carried with a majority of votes.

Council members directed staff to consider an exit-interview process and to plan interim administrative coverage; specifics of that plan were not finalized at the meeting.

Fonkow said he would remain to help with the transition and to support city staff during the interim period.