Myths About Administrator Positions
Myths
The following are myths about administrator positions:Myth: Hiring an administrator means giving up your right to elect your leader.
Fact: False. The elected board and councilmembers are the policy makers and the administrator reports to them. The administrator is responsible for carrying out the policies on a day-to-day basis. The administrator can be fired at any time by the board or council.
Myth: Hiring an administrator takes power away from the board or council.
Fact: False. It strengthens the position of the governing body to make key decisions. It will, however, result in adjustments in who is responsible for what.
Myth: Administrators cost too much.
Fact: Most administrators in Wisconsin receive between $50,000 to $100,000, well under comparable private sector positions. By efficient management, they are likely to pay for themselves within a short period of time. For very small communities, it is common for the administrator position to be combined with the clerk or clerk/treasurer position or other positions.
Myth: Administrators don't stay very long in one community.
Fact: False. In Wisconsin, the average is about seven years and instances where administrators stayed over 15 years are not uncommon.
Myth: Full-time mayors are the same as administrators.
Fact: False. Mayors are elected for their political leadership, not their experience and education in administering the day-to-day business of the municipality. Some mayors may have administrative skills; other mayors may not.