Committee recommends pay-grade 133 for city assessor and backs appointment of Keith Pugh

Sarah Dressel, Human Resources Director, presented results of a compensation evaluation for the city assessor position, saying the recommendation from McGrath Human Resources is to place the position into pay grade 133 and classify it as salaried exempt. "Based on their recommendations, they are recommending moving that position … into the pay grade 133 and designating it as a salaried exempt position," Dressel said.

A committee member asked about costs associated with past appraisals; Dressel reported the contract costed "$84,000 each of those 2 years." During the open meeting Dressel answered process questions and staff noted that Ms. Tompkins would not be able to discuss or vote on the item because she had arrived mid-item.

After approving the pay-grade recommendation by voice vote, the committee adjourned to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes chapter 19.85(1)(e). In closed session a member moved to recommend council appointment of Keith Pugh to the position of city assessor at step one of pay grade 133 effective July 1, 2026; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The committee’s actions for the pay grade and the appointment are recommendations to the Common Council, which must take final action on the pay-grade placement and the formal appointment. The committee did not provide public details here about the candidate beyond the appointment motion; effective date and pay-grade step were recorded.