May 1 is the Deadline to Share Your Thoughts on La Crosse City Administrator

La Crosse City Council Member Erin Goggin is encouraging residents and property owners to share their perspectives on the proposed La Crosse City Administrator position before May 1, when the Council will revisit the topic.

On Monday, Goggin appeared on La Crosse Talk to discuss the ongoing efforts of the working group, which was established following her proposal in November. The initiative originated when Mayor Mitch Reynolds brought the idea of creating the position to the Judicial & Administration Committee.

According to Goggin, the working group’s primary objectives are to thoroughly understand the proposal, address key questions surrounding its implementation, and educate the public on its potential impact.

La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.

While a public survey was conducted, Goggin expressed concerns that the wording of the questions may have influenced responses. She also noted that engaging the public has been challenging, but the group continues to explore ways to present information that will encourage meaningful feedback. A recent meeting with department heads provided valuable insight, as participants were asked whether they believed the position was necessary. Goggin observed that some had conducted more research than others.

Among the potential benefits cited by both the public and city staff are improved interdepartmental coordination and increased operational efficiency. However, concerns have been raised regarding the position’s nonpartisan nature, accountability structure, methods for measuring efficiency improvements, and the implications for the mayor’s role—whether it would remain full-time, shift to part-time, or become more ceremonial in nature.

Goggin also shares concerns about the financial feasibility of maintaining both a full-time city administrator and a full-time mayor.

Residents who wish to provide input can contact the full council, as well as the mayor and city clerk, via email at zzcouncil@cityoflacrosse.org.