Portage County is looking for new leadership with its current leader on board

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – Portage County wants to get rid of its own in favor of new leadership. Portage County is hoping to get rid of the county executive position. Current County Executive John Pavelski is also on board, meaning the county will see a turnaround by 2025.

Portage County Executive Ray Reser says the Portage County Executive position is a popularity contest. Reser says this wasn’t the best way to get projects approved and completed.

“We had directors who really didn’t get along with the county board, so it was really hard to keep order. The county board and the county executive need to come to an agreement,” Reser said.

Some of those projects on hold include the Portage County Jail, a new health care center and a courthouse remodel. In the case of a county administrator, the county would hire an individual who meets the requirements set forth in state law and has the same responsibilities as a director. Including budget management. This person does not have to be from Portage County either.

“Currently, every four years, district employees must step back, stop what they are doing and completely retrain someone to become the new district director. This means that the functioning of the county and what should be happening has to slow down a little bit until the training is completed,” Reser said.

Portage County needs 5,053 signatures and then the board will take a vote. Eventually people will have something to say.

“If the district board approves the resolution to eliminate the executive position, it will be put on a ballot in the spring of 2025.” – said Reser.

We reached out to current County Executive John Pavelski and he declined to be interviewed, but said so in a joint statement released by Resera.

“Portage County needs and deserves stability, experience and continuity. These attributes are at risk when leadership and guidelines change every four years with the elected district director. “

Only 12 counties in the state still hold executive positions. While all this plays out, Pavelski will retain his role and responsibilities.