City Hall Departments
Information Technology, Human Resources,
Office of Mayor, Finance
Session 3 of the 2024 Citizens Academy was held on March 21 and focused on City Hall Departments: Information Technology, Human Resources, the Office of the Mayor, and Finance.
Systems Administrator Justin Marsh led us on a tour of Appleton’s IT Department. Boasting a five-minute response time, the IT department monitors a network of 35 city buildings, protected by three firewalls behind a fourth major firewall. They do so by utilizing a large display screen which updates in real time.
Additionally, IT manages the Appleton Police Department and Appleton Fire Department mobile computing devices, has cyber-security responsibilities, staffs a help desk, and coordinates with the Appleton Area School District and the Appleton Public Library, all while updating and improving the city’s website. Mr. Marsh leaves one confident that Appleton’s IT needs are in good hands.
An HR staff of nine oversees approximately 615 full- and part-time employees. HR Generalist Jessie Montmarquette reviewed the four key areas of operations:
- Talent acquisition is ongoing, with an average of 258 full- and part-time hires each year. Duties include checking application references, background checks, and former employer’s references.
- Talent management and engagement: Appleton views its workforce as a valuable asset, prioritizing the retention of skilled employees, proud of its 12-year average tenure for city employees.
- Employee safety and wellness serves to retain a healthy, motivated work force. Addressing employee retirements, referral services, and workman’s compensation needs contribute to creating a desirable workplace environment.
- Labor relations and compensation are managed for the city’s three collective bargaining units, 12 non-represented groups and 15 departments. They compete hard to attract and keep the best.
Mayor Jake Woodford guided us through his office, introducing his three-person staff: Scheduling Assistant “Ally”; Communications and Public Engagement “Andy”; and DEI Coordinator “Timber.” The fourth person occupying the office is the elected City Attorney, Christopher Behrens. Appleton uses a “Strong Mayor” system versus the option of a City Administrator with a figurehead elected mayor. Mayor Woodford, recently reelected, is assisted by department heads and the 15 elected members of the City Common Council.
Chief Financial Officer Jeri Ohman shared the many tasks of the Department of Finance:
- overseeing all Requests for Proposals (RFP) in excess of $25,000
- monitoring Department receipts and accounts payable
- submitting city and state audits/reports/grants
- calculating user fee adjustments for city authorities (which must be self-sufficient) and
- determining the city levy.
All of this activity and more is necessary for perhaps their most important task of producing the annual budget document. The annual effort produces a draft for review the last week of October. The last Saturday of October the City Council submits and receives responses to their inquiries. A Wednesday Public Open Session allows the Mayor and City Council to hear public concerns, ending in a vote for amendments and adoption. Efficiency, professionalism, and accountability absolutely define the Finance Department.
