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New Richmond officials review mayor–council and council–manager government models
Summary
City officials in New Richmond are discussing whether to keep the longtime mayor–council structure or adopt a council–manager model; the choice would change who oversees police and fire operations, how ballots are cast and how council leadership is selected.
New Richmond City officials have been discussing whether to continue the city’s longtime mayor–council system or adopt a council–manager form of government, an informational video says.
The video, presented by an unidentified city narrator, explained the practical differences between the two models and why the choice matters locally. Under the current mayor–council form, New Richmond elects a mayor to a two‑year term who chairs meetings, votes only to break ties and — under Wisconsin practice — serves as the statutory head of the police and fire departments. The city also employs a professional administrator, a role it has had since 1985, to run day‑to‑day operations.
A council–manager model would change that structure: the mayor position would become an at‑large council seat, creating a seven‑member council in which all members vote on every issue. The council would elect a president and vice president from among its members to lead meetings, while a professional administrator would oversee routine operations of city departments, including police and fire, in the same way as other municipal services.
Supporters of the council–manager approach told viewers that the model is common nationwide, mirrors how some local boards operate and provides a clearer separation between elected officials and staff. Critics raised three practical objections in the explanation: New Richmond has had a mayor for more than 100 years; some residents prefer that the public directly elect the chair; and there are concerns that an internally elected chair could pursue a personal agenda.
If New Richmond switched to a council–manager system, ballots would change to let voters cast two alderperson votes: one for their district representative and one at‑large. Under the current system, voters choose a mayor in addition to a district alderperson.
The video invited public feedback: "Which model do you think is best for New Richmond?" it asks, and it closes by urging residents to contact their elected officials with opinions. The presentation did not announce any formal decision, vote or timeline for change.
