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Oneida County committee advances highway commissioner recruitment after consultant briefing
Summary
The committee outlined next steps for hiring a highway commissioner, heard a consultant describe recruitment support options and costs ($25,000–$60,000 annually), and set interviews for March 30 after a March 23 application deadline.
Chair Ted Cushing convened the Oneida County Public Works & Solid Waste Committee on March 19, 2026, where members discussed the ongoing search for a highway commissioner and heard from an outside consultant about recruitment support.
Bill Kern of Kern Professional Services told the committee he has more than 30 years managing Wisconsin highway departments and has recently worked with counties to support new commissioners on pavement management, capital planning and equipment management. Kern said recent turnover has made hiring more difficult and estimated that "95 percent of the last 20 positions were filled internally," citing limited external applicants. He said counties that retain his services typically pay between $25,000 and $60,000 annually and that he generally meets with clients twice monthly in the first year.
Jennifer Lueneburg, LRES director, told the committee the application deadline for the Highway Commissioner position is March 23 and interviews are scheduled for March 30. Lueneburg said she will circulate proposed interview questions to committee members and requested that the committee obtain cost estimates from KPS (Kern Professional Services) to inform evaluation of candidates. She also noted the interim out-of-class pay for the interim highway appointment is approved for up to three months but would require executive committee action for any extension beyond that period.
Committee members debated whether to proceed with recruitment immediately or continue with the interim while refining the department structure and needs. Robb Jensen said the committee should continue its own recruitment and then determine whether outside support is necessary. Chair Cushing agreed to proceed with recruitment and assess needs after reviewing applicants.
What happens next: Lueneburg will circulate application materials and interview questions and will return cost estimates from Kern Professional Services and any other requested background so the committee can schedule interviews on March 30.
