Could be referendum on city admin idea in Onalaska

City council or voters could call for ballot question

The idea of hiring a city administrator in Onalaska has led to calls for a referendum on the subject. 

A city committee studying the issue has not suggested a ballot question yet, but a referendum could be requested, either by the city council or by voters themselves. 

A public petition drive in Onalaska would require 540 names, representing seven percent of the voters in the last general election – or four out of the six Onalaska city council members could authorize a referendum. 

It was Mayor Joe Chilsen who recommended a study this summer, saying Onalaska city government might need a professional manager.