reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.698 - Zoning, building inspector.

59.698
Zoning, building inspector.
Except as provided under s. 59.69 (2) (bm), for the enforcement of all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations enacted under s. 59.69, the board may appoint a building inspector, define the building inspector's duties and fix the building inspector's term of office and compensation. This section does not apply to a county with a population of 750,000 or more.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 125; 2013 a. 14.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.71 - Special counties; record keeping.

59.71
Special counties; record keeping.
(1)
In this section, “eminent domain proceedings" means the laying out, widening, extending or vacating of any street, alley, water channel, park, highway or other public place by any court, legislature, county board, common council, village board or town board.
(2)
When the county board of a county with a population of 250,000 or more, according to the last state or United States census, prepares and compiles in book form an eminent domain record containing an abstract of facts relating to eminent domain proceedings and makes an order that the record, with an index thereto, be thereafter maintained and kept up, and provides a suitable book for that purpose, the register of deeds shall thereafter maintain and keep up the record and index.
(3)
The register of deeds shall enter an abstract of all eminent domain proceedings in the record maintained under sub. (2). The abstract shall substantially contain the facts as to the filing of a notice of lis pendens, the date of filing, the description, the court in which or the body before whom the proceeding is pending, the result of the proceedings, the action taken, and the date of the action and shall briefly state all of the essential facts of the proceeding. The index to the record shall be a practical index, with reference to the document numbers assigned and, if volume and page numbers are assigned, the volume and page where the abstracts are filed or recorded.
(4)
The abstracts and records to be kept by the register of deeds shall be certified by the register to be true and correct and when so certified shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein recited and shall be received in all courts and places with the same effect as the original proceedings; and the record so prepared and compiled by the county board shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein recited and shall also be received in all courts and places with the same effect as the original proceedings.
History:  1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 s. 371; Stats. 1995 s. 59.71; 1995 a. 225 s. 161; 1997 a. 35; 2017 a. 102.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.73 - Surveys; expressing bearings, subdividing sections.

59.73
Surveys; expressing bearings, subdividing sections.
(1)
How bearings expressed in surveys. In all surveys the bearings shall be expressed with reference to a magnetic, true or other identifiable line of the public land survey, recorded and filed subdivision or to the Wisconsin coordinate system. In all cases the reference selected shall be so noted as set forth in s. 59.45 (1) (a) 2. and if magnetic must be retraceable and identifiable by reference to a monumented line.
(2)
Subdividing sections. Whenever a county surveyor or professional land surveyor is required to subdivide a section or smaller subdivision of land established by the United States survey, the county surveyor or professional land surveyor shall proceed according to the statutes of the United States and the rules and regulations made by the secretary of the interior in conformity to the federal statutes. While so engaged a professional land surveyor and the professional land surveyor's assistants shall not be liable as a trespasser and shall be liable only for any actual damage done to land or property.
History:  1995 a. 201 ss. 393, 394, 421; 1999 a. 96; 2013 a. 358.
The exemption from liability for trespass in sub. (2) did not prevent the Department of Natural Resources from issuing a citation against a surveyor for violating an administrative rule prohibiting operating vehicles on park land. DNR v. Bowden, 2002 WI App 129, 254 Wis. 2d 625, 647 N.W.2d 865, 01-2820.
Discussing resurveys of public lands. United States v. Citko, 517 F. Supp. 233 (1981).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.75 - Certificates and records as evidence.

59.75
Certificates and records as evidence.
The certificate and also the official record of the county surveyor when produced by the legal custodian thereof, or any of the county surveyor's deputies, when duly signed by the county surveyor in his or her official capacity, shall be admitted as evidence in any court within the state, but the same may be explained or rebutted by other evidence. If any county surveyor or any of his or her deputies are interested in any tract of land a survey of which becomes necessary, such survey may be executed by any professional land surveyor appointed by the board.
History:  1977 c. 449; 1995 a. 201 s. 398; Stats. 1995 s. 59.75; 2013 a. 358.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.76 - Registration of farms.

59.76
Registration of farms.
The owner of any farm or country estate, or that person's authorized agent, may register the name of the farm or estate in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the farm or estate is situated. The owner or purchaser of the farm or any part of the farm may change or release the name from that person's respective interest in the farm by recording a certificate stating that the original registered name is released. A new name of the farm or any parts of the farm may then be registered. Every register of deeds shall index all registrations of farm documents and make the index available upon request. The index shall contain the name of the owner of the farm or estate and the name for the farm or estate that the owner or agent may designate, if no other farm or estate in the county has been previously registered under the same name. The fee for recording an instrument under this subsection shall be the fee specified under s. 59.43 (2) (ag).
History:  1971 c. 211; 1981 c. 245; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 301; 1995 a. 201 s. 463; Stats. 1995 s. 59.76; 2017 a. 102.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.796 - Milwaukee County; opportunity schools and partnership program.

59.796
Milwaukee County; opportunity schools and partnership program.
Notwithstanding s. 59.81, the board of any county with a population of 750,000 or more may not have access to or exercise oversight of any private gifts and grants received by the county executive under s. 59.17 (2) (b) 7.
History:  2015 a. 55.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.80 - Milwaukee County; city-county crime commission.

59.80
Milwaukee County; city-county crime commission.
The board of any county with a population of 750,000 or more or the common council of any 1st class city however organized in such county may appropriate money to defray in whole or in part the expenses of a city-county crime commission organized and functioning to determine methods of crime prevention in such county. All items of expense paid out of such appropriation shall be presented and paid on board vouchers as are claims against counties.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 167; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.81 - Cash flow, Milwaukee.

59.81
Cash flow, Milwaukee.
In counties having a population of 750,000 or more, the treasurer may be designated as the custodian for all cash received in an escrow, trust, bailment or safekeeping capacity by any other department of the county. This section is not applicable to the clerk of circuit court or any other depository specifically designated by a court of law or by a donor or other bailor even if the other depository retains control over such funds and the ultimate disposition. The treasurer may commingle this cash with general revenue cash and subject these funds to a common investment policy. Any interest earned on such investment reverts to the general fund of the county.
History:  1975 c. 41; 1995 a. 201 s. 271; Stats. 1995 s. 59.81; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.82 - Milwaukee County Research and Technology Park.

59.82
Milwaukee County Research and Technology Park.
(1)
Counties with a population of 750,000 or more may participate in the development of a research and technology park under sub. (2) if all of the following apply:
(a)
A nonstock corporation is organized under ch. 181, and that corporation is a nonprofit corporation as defined in s. 181.0103 (17), organized for the sole purpose of developing a research and technology park under sub. (2).
(b)
The research and technology park is located on land designated by the board for that purpose and owned by the county.
(c)
The board determines that participation is for a public purpose and that participation will benefit the Milwaukee regional medical center, Milwaukee County and this state.
(2)
A county may participate with the nonstock, nonprofit corporation under sub. (1) (a) in the development of a research and technology park by doing any of the following on terms approved by the board:
(a)
Leasing or otherwise making available to the nonprofit corporation property for a research and technology park.
(b)
Making grants or loans to the nonprofit corporation for the operations of the nonprofit corporation and for the development of a research and technology park.
(c)
Borrowing money to be used for the development of a research and technology park and by issuing notes, bonds or other evidence of indebtedness for this purpose.
(d)
Entering into contracts or exercising any other authority that is necessary for the development of a research and technology park.
(3)
Officers, officials and employees of the county may be members of the board of directors of the nonstock, nonprofit corporation under sub. (1) (a) but may not receive compensation for serving as a member of the board.
(4)
The nonstock, nonprofit corporation under sub. (1) (a) shall give a 45-day written notice to a municipality that is located in the county whenever the nonprofit corporation intends to enter into a transaction that entails moving a research or technology business or facility from the municipality to the research and technology park.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 230; 1997 a. 79; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.86 - Agreements and ancillary arrangements for certain notes and appropriation bonds.

59.86
Agreements and ancillary arrangements for certain notes and appropriation bonds.
At the time of issuance or in anticipation of the issuance of appropriation bonds under s. 59.85, or general obligation promissory notes under s. 67.12 (12), to pay unfunded prior service liability with respect to an employee retirement system, or at any time thereafter so long as the appropriation bonds or general obligation promissory notes are outstanding, a county having a population of 750,000 or more may enter into agreements or ancillary arrangements relating to the appropriation bonds or general obligation promissory notes, including trust indentures, liquidity facilities, remarketing or dealer agreements, letters of credit, insurance policies, guaranty agreements, reimbursement agreements, indexing agreements, and interest exchange agreements. Any payments made or amounts received with respect to any such agreement or ancillary arrangement shall be made from or deposited as provided in the agreement or ancillary arrangement.
History:  2007 a. 115; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.88 - Employee retirement system of populous counties; duty disability benefits for a mental injury.

59.88
Employee retirement system of populous counties; duty disability benefits for a mental injury.
(1)
In this section, “county" means any county having a population of 750,000 or more.
(2)
If an employee retirement system of a county offers a duty disability benefit, the employee retirement system may only provide the duty disability benefit for a mental injury if all of the following apply:
(a)
The mental injury resulted from a situation of greater dimensions than the day-to-day mental stresses and tensions and post-traumatic stress that all similarly situated employees must experience as part of the employment.
(b)
The employer certifies that the mental injury is a duty-related injury.
(3)
If an employee retirement system of a county determines that an applicant is not eligible for duty disability benefits for a mental injury, the applicant may appeal the employee retirement system's determination to the department of workforce development. In hearing an appeal under this subsection, the department of workforce development shall follow the procedures under ss. 102.16 to 102.26.
(4)
This section applies to participants in an employee retirement system of a county who first apply for duty disability benefits for a mental injury on or after July 14, 2015.
History:  2015 a. 55; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.90 - Provisions applicable to certain counties with special sales tax authority.

59.90
Provisions applicable to certain counties with special sales tax authority.
All of the following apply to a county in which a 1st class city is located:
(1)
With regard to the budget of the county, all of the following apply:
(a)
The total amount of budgeted expenditures related to cultural or entertainment matters or involving partnerships with nonprofit groups may not be greater than 5 percent of the total amount of budgeted expenditures for the budget period. This paragraph does not apply to any expenditure of a county for parks, including zoos, or for health or transit services.
(b)
When each department of the county submits estimated revenues and expenditures for the ensuing budget period, it shall also provide a proposal to reduce the department's expenditures for the ensuing fiscal period by an amount equal to a total of 5 percent of the department's base level for its budget for the current fiscal period.
(2)
The board may enact an ordinance or adopt a resolution that includes new program spending only upon a two-thirds vote of all of the members of the board. This subsection does not apply to a program that is intended to reduce expenditures or consolidate or reorganize existing services into a different administrative structure without increasing expenditures. If the county imposes a tax under s. 77.70 (2) (a) and subsequently repeals the tax, this subsection does not apply after the repeal.
(3)
The board may enact an ordinance or adopt a resolution that increases the total number of positions in the county only upon a two-thirds vote of all of the members of the board. If the county imposes a tax under s. 77.70 (2) (a) and subsequently repeals the tax, this subsection does not apply after the repeal.
(4)
The county shall prepare a report on changes to its compensation plan that are necessary and desirable to make the county competitive in the market for correctional workers at a sustainable level of funding.
(5)
The county shall identify all buildings that the county has authority to sell and that are not being used by the county and prepare a plan for the use or sale of these buildings. The county shall submit that plan to the joint committee on finance in the manner provided under s. 13.172 (2).
(6)
(a)
In this subsection, “qualified amount” means the required amount of the retirement system's unfunded actuarial accrued liability contribution in 2022.
(b)
In any year in which the county imposes a tax under s. 77.70 (2) (a), other than the first year in which the tax is imposed, the county shall spend a total of not less than the qualified amount on the following:
1.
The Milwaukee County circuit court.
2.
The Milwaukee County secure residential care center for children and youth.
3.
Maintaining or increasing the compensation of Milwaukee County correctional workers.
4.
The Milwaukee County medical examiner.
History: 2023 a. 12.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.001 - Definitions.

60.001
Definitions.
In this chapter:
(1)
“Annual town meeting" means the town meeting held under s. 60.11.
(2)
“Special town meeting" means a town meeting, other than the annual town meeting, held under s. 60.12.
(3)
“Town meeting" means the annual town meeting or a special town meeting.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.01 - Legal status; general powers.

60.01
Legal status; general powers.
(1)
A town is a body corporate and politic, with those powers granted by law. A town shall be designated in all actions and proceedings by its name, as “Town of ....".
(2)
A town may:
(a)
Sue and be sued.
(b)
Acquire and hold real and personal property for public use and convey and dispose of the property.
(c)
Enter into contracts necessary for the exercise of its corporate powers.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.06 - Validity of attachment or detachment.

60.06
Validity of attachment or detachment.
The town board may bring an action to test the validity of an ordinance attaching or detaching all or part of the territory of the town to or from any town, village or city. Any expense incurred by the town board and its agents, attorneys and representatives in the action shall be paid by the town.
History:  1983 a. 532.
No tort liability can attach to the exercise of a town's legal right to challenge an annexation. Whispering Springs Corp. v. Town of Empire, 183 Wis. 2d 396, 515 N.W.2d 469 (Ct. App. 1994).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.065 - Change of town name.

60.065
Change of town name.
The name of a town shall be changed if a petition designating the new name is signed and filed with the town clerk under the procedures in s. 9.20 (1), certified by the town clerk under the procedure in s. 9.20 (3), approved by the electors in an election held under the procedures in s. 9.20 (4) and the result of the election is published in the town's official paper, or posted in the town, and the new name is filed with the secretary of administration.
History:  1993 a. 246; 2015 a. 55.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.07 - Delivery of papers to clerk of new town.

60.07
Delivery of papers to clerk of new town.
If a new town is organized, the town clerk of the town from which the new town was organized shall deliver, if removable, all of his or her official papers and files pertaining to the new town and a certified copy of all relevant official records, papers and files not removable to the office of the clerk of the new town. Any record, paper or file delivered to the office of the clerk of a new town under this section shall have the same effect as if originally filed there.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.09 - When a county constitutes a town.

60.09
When a county constitutes a town.
(1)
Generally. If a county is not divided into towns, it shall, for purposes of town government, be considered one town.
(2)
Menominee County. The county of Menominee consists of one town, known as the town of Menominee.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.11 - Annual town meeting.

60.11
Annual town meeting.
(1)
Requirement. Each town shall hold an annual town meeting, as provided in this section.
(2)
When held.
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), the annual town meeting shall be held on the 3rd Tuesday of April.
(b)
1.
The annual town meeting may set a date different than provided under par. (a) for the next annual town meeting if the date is within 10 days after the 3rd Tuesday of April.
2.
The town board or, if the town board is unable to promptly meet, the town chair may postpone the annual town meeting to a date that is not during the period beginning on the first day of the public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72, and ending 60 days after the termination of that order.
(3)
Where held.
(a)
The annual town meeting may be held in the town or in any other town, village, or city in the same county or in an adjoining county.
(b)
The annual town meeting shall be held at the location of the last annual town meeting unless the location is changed by the town board. If the town board changes the location, it shall publish a class 2 notice under ch. 985 stating the location of the meeting, not more than 20 nor less than 15 days before the date of the meeting.
(4)
Adjournment. The annual town meeting may be recessed to a time and date certain if the resumed meeting is held within 30 days after the date of the meeting originally scheduled under sub. (2).
(5)
Notice. No public notice of an annual town meeting is required if held as provided under sub. (2) (a). If held as provided under sub. (2) (b), notice of the time and date of the meeting shall be given under s. 60.12 (3).
(6)
Jurisdiction. An annual town meeting may transact any business over which a town meeting has jurisdiction.
(7)
Poll list. An annual town meeting may require the clerk of the town meeting to keep a poll list with the name and address of every elector voting at the meeting. If an elector of the town obtains a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2) and presents an identification card issued under s. 6.47 (3), the clerk shall record the identification serial number of the elector in lieu of the elector's address.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1999 a. 49; 2005 a. 312; 2011 a. 115; 2019 a. 185.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.12 - Special town meetings.

60.12
Special town meetings.
(1)
Who may convene. A special town meeting may be convened if:
(a)
Called by a town meeting.
(b)
A written request, signed by a number of electors equal to not less than 10 percent of the votes cast in the town for governor at the last general election, is filed with the town clerk.
(c)
Called by the town board.
(2)
Time, date and purpose to be stated. If a special town meeting is requested or called under sub. (1), the time, date and purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the request or as part of the call.
(3)
Notice. The town clerk shall, not more than 20 nor less than 15 days before the date of a special town meeting, publish a class 2 notice of the meeting under ch. 985. The notice shall state the purpose, date, time and location of the meeting. If notice is posted, the same time and content requirements apply.
(4)
Location.
(a)
A special town meeting may be held in the town or in any other town, village, or city in the same county or in an adjoining county.
(b)
A special town meeting shall be held where the preceding annual town meeting was held, unless the location is changed by the town board.
(5)
Adjournment. A special town meeting may be recessed to a time and date certain if the resumed meeting is held within 30 days after the date of the originally scheduled meeting.
(6)
Jurisdiction. Any business which may be transacted at an annual town meeting may be transacted at a special town meeting.
History:  1983 a. 532; 2005 a. 312.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.13 - Presiding officer.

60.13
Presiding officer.
(1)
Who presides.
(a)
If present, the town board chairperson shall chair the town meeting. If the town board chairperson is absent, another town board supervisor shall chair the town meeting. If no town board supervisor is present, the town meeting shall elect the chairperson of the meeting.
(b)
If the annual town meeting is held in a year when the office of town board chairperson is filled by election, the person holding the office on the day prior to the date of the election to fill the office shall preside at the annual town meeting and is entitled to receive the per diem which is ordinarily paid to the presiding officer. If such person is absent or refuses to serve as the presiding officer, the presiding officer shall be chosen under par. (a).
(2)
Duties. The town meeting chairperson shall conduct the meeting's proceedings in accordance with accepted parliamentary procedure.
(3)
Enforcement authority. The town meeting chairperson shall maintain order and decorum, and may order any person to leave a town meeting if the person has conducted himself or herself in a disorderly manner and persisted in such conduct after being directed by the chairperson to cease the conduct. If the person refuses the chairperson's order to withdraw, the town meeting chairperson may order a constable or other law enforcement officer to take the person into custody until the meeting is adjourned.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.14 - Procedure.

60.14
Procedure.
(1)
Qualified voters. Any qualified elector of the town, as defined under ch. 6, may vote at a town meeting.
(2)
Method of action; necessary votes. All actions of a town meeting shall be by vote. All questions shall be decided by a majority of the electors voting.
(3)
Order of business. At the beginning of the town meeting, the town meeting chairperson shall state the business to be transacted and the order in which the business will be considered. No proposal to levy a tax, except a tax for defraying necessary town expenses, may be acted on out of the order stated by the town meeting chairperson.
(4)
Reconsideration of actions.
(a)
A vote of the town meeting may be reconsidered at the same meeting at which the vote was taken if the town meeting votes to reconsider within one hour after the initial vote was taken.
(b)
No action of a town meeting may be reconsidered at a subsequent town meeting held prior to the next annual town meeting unless a special town meeting is convened under s. 60.12 (1) (b) or (c) and the written request or the call for the meeting states that a purpose of the meeting is reconsideration of the action.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.15 - Clerk.

60.15
Clerk.
The town clerk shall serve as clerk of the town meeting. If the town clerk is absent, the deputy town clerk shall serve as town meeting clerk. If the deputy clerk is absent, the town meeting chairperson shall appoint a clerk for the meeting. The clerk of the town meeting shall keep minutes of the proceedings. The clerk of the town meeting shall keep a poll list if required by the annual town meeting under s. 60.11 (7). The town meeting minutes shall be signed by the clerk of the town meeting and filed in the office of the town clerk within 5 days after the meeting.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.16 - First town meeting in new towns.

60.16
First town meeting in new towns.
(1)
When held. The first town meeting in a newly organized town shall be held at 8 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of the first April after the town is organized. If the 3rd Tuesday of the first April after a town is organized has passed and the first town meeting has not been held, 3 qualified electors of the town may call the first town meeting any time thereafter by posting notice of the town meeting in at least 3 public places at least 10 days prior to the date of the meeting.
(2)
Where held. The first town meeting shall be held at the location designated in the documents which established the town. The location may be within the town or, if convenient, within any other town or within a city or village in the county in which the town is located.
(3)
Officers. The qualified electors present at the first town meeting shall choose one elector as chairperson of the town meeting, 2 electors as inspectors and one elector as clerk. The inspectors and clerk shall take and sign the oath required of inspectors at elections under s. 7.30 (5). The oath may be administered to the inspectors and clerk by the chairperson and either inspector may then administer the oath to the chairperson. After they have signed the oath, the chairperson, clerk and inspectors shall conduct the first town meeting.
(4)
Jurisdiction. The first town meeting may conduct any business that a town meeting may conduct under ss. 60.11 and 60.12.
History:  1983 a. 532, 538; 2005 a. 312; 2011 a. 115.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.20 - Town board.

60.20
Town board.
(1)
Membership. The town board consists of the supervisors of the town. The board shall be designated “Town Board of ....".
(2)
Quorum. Two supervisors constitute a quorum of a 3-member town board, 3 supervisors constitute a quorum of a 4-member or 5-member town board, and 4 supervisors constitute a quorum of a 7-member town board under s. 60.21 (3).
(3)
Meetings. Meetings of the town board may be held in the town or in any other town, city or village in the same county or in an adjoining county, subject to subch. V of ch. 19.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1991 a. 39; 2005 a. 312.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.305 - Combined and part-time offices.

60.305
Combined and part-time offices.
(1)
Clerk and treasurer. Except as provided under sub. (3), the town meeting may:
(a)
Combine the offices of town clerk and town treasurer. If the offices are combined, the town board shall provide for an annual audit under s. 60.43 (2).
(b)
Designate as part-time the office of town clerk, the office of town treasurer or the combined office of town clerk and town treasurer.
(2)
Clerk and assessor. Except as provided under sub. (3), the town meeting may combine the offices of town clerk and town assessor. If a person elected to a combined office is not certified under s. 73.09 by June 1 of the year elected, the combined office is vacant.
(3)
Town in county with only one town.
(a)
In the town in any county containing only one town, the town board may, by resolution:
1.
Combine 2 or more town offices.
2.
Designate any town office as a part-time position.
3.
Combine, if concurred in by the county board, the offices of town clerk and county clerk and any other town and county offices if the offices combined are not incompatible and the combination is not expressly forbidden by law.
(b)
If the town board and county board agree to combine a county and town office under this subsection, the election to fill the combined office shall be under s. 59.20 (2). No separate election for the town office may be held until the county board, by resolution, revokes the combination and the town board, by resolution, concurs.
(4)
General provisions.
(a)
A combination of offices under this section takes effect on the latest date that any current term of an office to be combined expires.
(b)
Except as provided under sub. (3) (b) for combined town and county offices, the election to fill any combined office shall be under s. 60.30.
(c)
The combination of town offices may be revoked in the same way that they were combined. No separate election for a town office, if combined, may be held until the combination is so revoked.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1995 a. 201.
Compensation may be increased to the clerk for service on the board of review if the clerk has been designated part-time by the town meeting. 79 Atty. Gen. 176.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.307 - Appointment of town assessors.

60.307
Appointment of town assessors.
(1)
Applicability. This section does not apply to any town within the jurisdiction of a county assessor under s. 70.99.
(2)
Town meeting authorization. If authorized by the town meeting under s. 60.10 (2) (j), the town board may select assessors by appointment.
(3)
Method of selection. If authorized under sub. (2), a town board may appoint an assessor and any assistants by one of the following methods:
(a)
If the town has a civil service system, under that system. If the town has no civil service system, the town board may adopt a civil service system under s. 66.0509 (2) (b) for the selection of assessors.
(b)
If the town does not have or adopt a civil service system, the town board shall appoint assessors on the basis of merit, experience and general qualifications for a term not to exceed 5 years.
(4)
Independent contractor as assessor.
(a)
In this subsection, “independent contractor" means a person who either is under contract to furnish appraisal and assessment services or is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, business or profession in which the services are offered to the general public.
(b)
An independent contractor may be appointed as the town assessor. The independent contractor shall designate the individual responsible for the assessment. The designee shall file the official oath under s. 19.01 and sign the affidavit of the assessor attached to the assessment roll under s. 70.49. No individual may be designated by an independent contractor unless he or she has been granted the appropriate certification under s. 73.09.
(5)
Assessors; assistants; number and salaries. The town board shall determine the number of assistant assessors required and the salaries to be paid the assessor and assistant assessors. If the assessor and assistant assessors are appointed under civil service, the salaries shall be within the civil service salary schedule and appointments shall be from the civil service lists.
(6)
Commencement of office. An initial appointee under this section shall take office at the expiration of the terms of the last elected assessors.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1993 a. 246; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 2019 a. 140.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.31 - Official oath and bond.

60.31
Official oath and bond.
(1)
Official oath. Except as provided in sub. (3), every elected or appointed town officer shall take and file the oath under s. 19.01 within 5 days after notification of election or appointment.
(2)
Official bond. Every town clerk, deputy town clerk, town treasurer, deputy town treasurer, elected assessor and town constable shall execute and file an official bond provided by the town or by sufficient sureties, or the town may provide a schedule or blanket bond that includes any or all of these officials. The official bond or schedule or blanket bond provided by the town may be furnished by a surety company under s. 632.17 (2). The amount of the bond shall be fixed by the town board. If the amount of the bond is not fixed by the board, the amount shall be the same as that required of the last incumbent of the office. If the town board at any time determines that the bond is insufficient, it may require an additional bond to be filed within 10 days, in an amount fixed by the board.
(3)
Exceptions.
(a)
An elected assessor shall take and file the official oath and bond at any time between May 27 to May 31.
(b)
Municipal judges shall take and file the official oath and, if required to do so by the town board, the official bond, under s. 755.03. If the town board does not require municipal judges to file an official bond, the board shall obtain a dishonesty or other appropriate insurance policy that covers the judges, as described in s. 755.03.
(4)
Failure to file oath or bond. If any person elected or appointed to a town office fails to file a required official oath or bond within the time prescribed by law, the failure to file constitutes refusal to serve in office.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 246; 2019 a. 113.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.32 - Compensation of elective town offices.

60.32
Compensation of elective town offices.
(1)
Established by town meeting or board.
(a)
Except as provided under par. (b) and s. 66.0507, the town meeting shall establish the compensation of elective town offices.
(b)
If authorized by the town meeting under s. 60.10 (2) (k), the town board shall establish the compensation of elective town offices, other than the office of town board supervisor.
(2)
Nature of compensation. Compensation under this section may be:
(a)
An annual salary.
(b)
A per diem compensation for each day or part of a day necessarily devoted to the service of the town and the discharge of duties.
(c)
A combination of pars. (a) and (b).
(3)
Changes during term. Subject to sub. (4), the town meeting or, if authorized to establish compensation, the town board may make a change in the compensation of an elective town office to take effect during the term of office.
(4)
When established. Compensation under this section shall be established prior to the latest date and time for filing nomination papers for the office. After that date and time, no change may be made in the compensation of the office that applies to the current term of office.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1993 a. 246; 1999 a. 150 s. 672.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.321 - Reimbursement of expenses.

60.321
Reimbursement of expenses.
(1)
Generally. The town board may provide for reimbursement of expenses necessarily incurred by any officer or employee of the town in the performance of official town duties. The board may determine who is eligible for expense reimbursement, which expenses are reimbursable and the amount of reimbursement. Expenses reimbursable under this section include, but are not limited to:
(a)
Traveling expenses, including mileage, lodging and meal expenses.
(b)
Costs associated with programs of instruction related to the officer's or employee's office or employment.
(2)
Manuals. The town board may purchase handbooks and manuals that will materially assist town officials and employees in the performance of official duties.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.323 - Compensation when acting in more than one official capacity.

60.323
Compensation when acting in more than one official capacity.
Except for offices combined under s. 60.305, no town may compensate a town officer for acting in more than one office of the town at the same time.
History:  1983 a. 532; 2001 a. 16.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.331 - Deputy town clerk.

60.331
Deputy town clerk.
Each town clerk may appoint one or more deputies for whom the town clerk is responsible. A deputy shall take and file the official oath and bond under s. 60.31. The town clerk may designate a deputy to perform the clerk's duties during the absence, sickness or other disability of the clerk.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.34 - Duties of town treasurer.

60.34
Duties of town treasurer.
The town treasurer shall:
(1)
Receive and disburse town money.
(a)
Except as provided in s. 66.0608 (3m), receive and take charge of all money belonging to the town, or which is required by law to be paid into the town treasury, and disburse the money under s. 66.0607.
NOTE: Par. (a) is shown as amended eff. 7-1-24 by 2023 Wis. Act 12. Prior to 7-1-24 it reads:
(a) Except as provided in s. 66.0608, receive and take charge of all money belonging to the town, or which is required by law to be paid into the town treasury, and disburse the money under s. 66.0607.
(b)
Keep an itemized account of all moneys received and disbursed, specifying the source from which it was received, the person to whom it was paid and the object for which it was paid. The treasurer shall issue numbered receipts for all funds received. At the request of the town board, the treasurer shall present the account books, and any supporting documents requested, to the board.
(2)
Deposit of town money.
(a)
Deposit as soon as practicable the funds of the town in the name of the town in the public depository designated by the town board. Failure to comply with this paragraph is grounds for removal from office.
(b)
When money is deposited under par. (a), the treasurer and the treasurer's sureties are not liable for any loss as defined in s. 34.01 (2). The interest arising from the money deposited shall be paid into the town treasury.
(3)
Records. Comply with subch. II of ch. 19 concerning records of which the treasurer is legal custodian.
(4)
Taxes. Perform all of the duties relating to taxation required of the town treasurer under chs. 70 to 79.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1985 a. 25 s. 15; 1985 a. 29; 1985 a. 135 s. 85; 1985 a. 218 s. 22; 1987 a. 27, 378; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 2001 a. 16; 2023 a. 12.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.341 - Deputy town treasurer.

60.341
Deputy town treasurer.
Each town treasurer may appoint a deputy for whom the treasurer is responsible. The deputy shall take and file the official oath and bond under s. 60.31. In case of the absence, sickness or other disability of the treasurer, the deputy shall perform the treasurer's duties.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.35 - Duties of town constable.

60.35
Duties of town constable.
(1)
A town constable shall perform the duties established by the town board under s. 60.22 (4).
(2)
A town constable shall keep his or her office in the town. No constable who keeps his or her office outside the limits of the town may receive fees for any service performed.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.351 - Town constable fees.

60.351
Town constable fees.
(1)
Town constables shall collect the fees prescribed for sheriffs in s. 814.70 for similar services, unless a higher fee is applicable under s. 814.705 (1) (d).
(2)
If any person except a party to an action performs the services of a town constable, the person shall collect the fees to which the town constable would be entitled.
(3)
No town constable may serve or execute any summons, writ or process in any action or proceeding in which he or she is agent or attorney for the plaintiff or if he or she is interested in the collection of any claim which is the subject of the action or proceeding. A town constable may not recover any costs, fees or expenses, nor may any costs or fees be taxed for any services rendered in violation of this subsection.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1987 a. 181; 1997 a. 27.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.37 - Town employees.

60.37
Town employees.
(1)
General. The town board may employ on a temporary or permanent basis persons necessary to carry out the functions of town government including, subject to sub. (4), any elected officer of the town. The board may establish the qualifications and terms of employment, which may not include the residency of the employee, except as provided in s. 66.0502 (4) (b). The board may delegate the authority to hire town employees to any town official or employee.
(2)
Legal assistance. The town board may designate, retain or employ one or more attorneys on a temporary or continuing basis to counsel the town on legal matters or represent the town in legal proceedings.
(3)
Town administrator.
(a)
The town board may create the position of town administrator and establish the qualifications, compensation and terms of employment for the position. The town administrator may be employed to serve at the pleasure of the town board or for a fixed term. If employed for a fixed term, the town board may suspend or remove the town administrator for cause.
(b)
The town administrator shall perform all lawful duties assigned by the town board which do not conflict with duties and powers conferred by law on other town officers.
(c)
No elected town officer may serve as town administrator.
(d)
A town may join with one or more towns, villages or cities, in any combination, to employ a person as administrator for the towns, villages or cities. The governing body of each town, village and city may enter into an agreement for this purpose, which may include agreement to share the costs of the position. The town board may not enter into an agreement under this paragraph to employ an administrator for more than 3 years unless the town meeting approves the agreement.
(4)
Elected officers serving as employees.
(a)
An elected town officer who also serves as a town employee may be paid an hourly wage for serving as a town employee, not exceeding a total of $15,000 each year. Amounts that are paid under this paragraph may be paid in addition to any amount that an individual receives under s. 60.32 or as a volunteer fire fighter, emergency medical services practitioner, or emergency medical responder under s. 66.0501 (4) (a). The $15,000 maximum in this paragraph includes amounts paid to a town board supervisor who is acting as superintendent of highways under s. 82.03 (1).
(b)
1.
Except as provided in subd. 2., the town meeting shall establish the hourly wage to be paid an elected town officer for serving as a town employee.
2.
If authorized by the town meeting under s. 60.10 (2) (L), the town board may establish the hourly wage to be paid an elected town officer, other than a town board supervisor, for serving as a town employee.
History:  1983 a. 532; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 214; 2007 a. 20; 2013 a. 20; 2017 a. 12, 326; 2019 a. 140.
NOTE:  2003 Wis. Act 214, which affected this section, contains extensive explanatory notes.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.40 - Preparation and adoption of budget.

60.40
Preparation and adoption of budget.
(1)
Fiscal year; annual budget. The town fiscal year is the calendar year. A town budget shall be adopted annually.
(2)
Preparation. The town board is responsible for preparation of the proposed budget required under s. 65.90. In preparing the budget, the town board may provide for assistance by any person.
(3)
Hearing. The town board shall conduct the budget hearing required under s. 65.90.
(4)
Adoption. The town board shall adopt the town budget.
(5)
Amendment. The town budget may be amended by the town board under s. 65.90 (5).
History:  1983 a. 532.
Local units of government may not create and accumulate unappropriated surplus funds. However, a local unit of government may maintain reasonable amounts necessary in the exercise of sound business principles to meet the immediate cash flow needs of the municipality during the current budgetary period or to accumulate needed capital in non-lapsing funds to finance specifically identified future capital expenditures. 76 Atty. Gen. 77.
Article VIII, section 5 restricts the state from levying taxes to create a surplus having no public purpose. Although the constitutional provision does not apply directly to municipalities, the same limitation applies indirectly to them because the state cannot delegate more power than it has. 76 Atty. Gen. 77.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.41 - Annual financial statement.

60.41
Annual financial statement.
The town board annually shall prepare a statement of the financial condition of the town and present the statement to the annual town meeting. In preparing the statement, the town board may provide for assistance by any person. The statement shall include the previous year's revenues and expenditures and the current indebtedness of the town.
History:  1983 a. 532.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 60 - Towns. › 60.43 - Financial audits.

60.43
Financial audits.
(1)
General. The town board may provide for financial audits under s. 66.0605.
(2)
Audit of combined clerk and treasurer office. If the offices of town clerk and town treasurer are combined under s. 60.305 (1) (a), the town board shall arrange for an audit of the town financial records at least once every year. The audit may be conducted either by a certified public accountant, appointed by the town board and not otherwise employed by the town, or by the department of revenue if the department provides such a service.
History:  1983 a. 532; 1999 a. 150 s. 672.