Clerk, treasurer to be appointed

The Town of Belgium’s clerk and treasurer will be appointed rather than elected going forward.

Town residents on Tuesday voted to make the switch, 527 (55.83%) to 417 (44.17%), according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

When Clerk Ginger Murphy retired last year, it was difficult to find someone to run for the office. Anne Nord came in at the last minute. Her mother Dayle Parks has been treasurer for years.

The change allows the Town Board to hire a clerk and treasurer who do not live in the town. Keeping the positions elected means the clerk and treasurer must live in the town.

Town Chairman Tom Winker has suggested the town could employ a clerk or treasurer from a neighboring community to partner with the town.

Nord said the main benefit to hiring the positions is skill. Anyone may run for an elected position, but if the board appoints someone, it may set a list of qualifications for job candidates to meet.

Making the change requires a referendum.

The switch to appointed positions is becoming popular. Retired attorney Jim Hubing said more townships across the state have appointed clerks and treasurers than elected ones.

Winker said the town has a good clerk and treasurer and he wants to keep Nord and Parks.