Marathon County Board Supervisor Guidelines And Expectations
(as adopted by Resolution #R-102-03, December 16, 2003)

Purpose: The Marathon County Board is a leadership body which makes policy determinations with regard to:

• the mission of the County;
• the services and programs the County provides (the range of services currently provided includes programs that foster economic opportunity, public safety, transportation, health, recreation, education, environmental protection);
• resource allocation;
• levying property taxes, approving borrowings adequate to fund operational and capital expenditures;
• appointing and evaluating the job performance of the County Administrator.

Individual Board members contribute to the policy making through information gathering and analysis, constituent contacts, public hearings, public debate and voting on policy issues.

Salary: The annual salary is $4,780.00 (as of January 1, 2009).

Qualifications:
The Wisconsin Statutes establish these minimum qualifications for seeking County Board membership:

1. must be a United States citizen;
2. must be 18 years of age;
3. must reside in the district for which election is sought;
4. cannot be a convicted felon.

Additionally, Board leadership encourages:

• strategic thinking including the ability to make decisions with an awareness of the future and an awareness of the implications of each decision;
• a genuine commitment to public service;
• good communication skill;
• respect for others and appreciation of differences in perspective;
• patience and perseverance (acceptance that County Government is a process that takes time and that success in this unique environment often times comes from the ability to build consensus).

Estimated Time Commitment:
The leadership of the County Board estimates that a minimum time commitment of 15 hours per month will be necessary to be an effective County Board member. It is expected that a County Board member attend the monthly Informational County Board Meetings at 7:00 p.m. (usually the second Thursday of Month), the Regular County Board Meetings at 2:00 p.m. (usually the third Tuesday of Month), and any required meetings for at least one assigned standing committee usually held during the work day (Monday through Thursday). Additional time is required to read information, including committee minutes, prepare for meetings and fulfill statutory responsibilities.

County Board members who cannot attend a meeting are expected to report the absence in advance as a courtesy to the other members.

Specific Duties:

• Considering and acting upon ordinances and resolutions that come before the Board which set policy for the County Government.
• Analyzing and adopting the annual budget.
• Communicating observations and opinions with regard to the County Administrator’s job performance to Board leadership.
• Establishing Board policies and rules.
• Reviewing and updating public policies already in place.
• Considering and acting upon statutorily required matters such as department head appointments, zoning amendments, farmland preservation agreements, claims against the County, etc.
• Communicating with residents and groups with regard to policy preferences and assisting residents with individual complaints/problems.
• Setting goals for the County Administrator.
• Advocacy on behalf of the County with state officials on policy issues germane to the welfare of the residents of Marathon County.

Term of Office:
The term of office shall be two years beginning in April.

How to Run for Office:
Candidates should contact the Marathon County Clerk’s Office, 500 Forest St., Wausau, WI. Tel. 261-1500, to obtain information and necessary documents (Campaign Registration Statement, Declaration of Candidacy, and Nomination Papers).