The Galesburg City Council is pondering whether or not changes will be made to the city treasurer’s position.
Last night, council discussed an ordinance on first reading that would effectively change the position from a full-time elected role to one that is part time and appointed. A pay scale for the individual has yet to be decided and will depend on how the position is changed.
The idea of even eliminating the treasurer in its entirety has been made, though that would take a voter referenda.
If council votes to appoint a treasurer, City Manager Todd Thompson has recommended the city’s finance director be appointed to that position.
Former City Treasurer Tom Wilson spoke and has concerns about the legal precedence of making changes. Wilson specifically mentioned his concern with what happens to the deputy treasurer–a position he’s uncertain whether it could be abolished by a simple vote, if voters voted out the treasurer.
“I’ve never been able to find evidence on that,” Wilson told the council. “If you have an appointed position or rather you have an elected, part-time position there needs to be a backup, because there is a multitude of requirement for a city treasurer.”
More discussion and a potential decision could be made next month. The item, as well as setting a salary scale will be on the agenda at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
