La Crosse council refers mayor's proposed reorganization for 30 days after 9-4 vote

The La Crosse City Council voted 9–4 on Sept. 11 to refer the mayor's proposed reorganization of the mayor's office to a 30-day review, delaying any final action while members seek more information and public feedback.

Council member Stein moved to refer the reorganization for 30 days, saying the plan "could be something really good for our city, but right now we need more time for council and the people of La Crosse to understand it before we fully vote on it." Council member Northwood seconded the motion. The referral passed with nine council members in favor and four opposed.

The reorganization, presented as a resolution to alter the table of positions and classifications for the mayor's department (item 251054), drew mixed remarks during debate. Council member Charles said he supported a referral, noting the proposal aligned with the mayor's campaign commitments and deserved fuller consideration. In contrast, Council member Sleznikau criticized the timing and process, arguing that "if it was desired to have community engagement, I believe that should have been done prior to it being submitted for resolution," and said she would not support the 30-day referral.

Earlier in the exchange a motion to not adopt the proposal was made; that procedural motion was superseded when Stein offered the referral as an alternative for additional review. The council's referral does not adopt or reject the reorganization; it pauses final action and schedules further consideration and outreach during the 30-day period.

The reorganization was presented to coincide with the city's budget process, according to council remarks. The council did not set a specific follow-up date in the record other than the 30-day referral timeline.