La Crosse will move to professional city management after the Common Council voted 10-3 to create a city administrator position.
The decision follows more than two years of work and debate. Supporters on the council described the vote as a difficult one taken to put the city in the best position to take advantage of future opportunities.
Under the new structure, a professional administrator will be accountable for giving city employees and department heads clear direction, coordination, support and resources. Backers say residents deserve a city that spends their money wisely and can answer questions without sending them from department to department.
Council members who voted no were acknowledged by supporters, who said they understood the concerns raised during the long discussion.
The work of filling the job comes next. The city is expected to look to a professional recruitment firm, hold a transparent national search, and include public involvement in the process, with accountability for delivering results for the community.
The mayor will also have an important role in making the transition work, and council members said they are committed to working with the mayor's office to get the new arrangement right.
