Opportunities to Serve
Notice of Vacancy: Common Council Alderperson – District 1
The City of Richland Center is seeking interested residents to fill a vacancy for Alderperson - District 1 (Wards 1, 2, and 3). This seat will be vacated following the election of Karin Tepley to the office of Mayor.
Following the process outlined in Wisconsin State Statutes and City Ordinances, the Mayor will review applications and make an appointment, which is subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the Common Council.
Key Dates & Timeline
- Application Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12:00PM
- Appointment & Confirmation Meeting: The Common Council intends to consider the appointment during their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
- Term: The appointed individual will serve the remainder of the term ending in April 2027.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this appointment, you must:
- Be a qualified elector of the City of Richland Center (18+ years old, U.S. Citizen).
- Reside within the boundaries of District 1 (Wards 1, 2, or 3).
- Unsure of your ward? View the City Ward & District Map or contact the City Clerk at 608-647-3466 or clerk@richlandcenterwi.gov
- You can also view your voter information at MyVote Wisconsin
The Role & Responsibilities
Serving as an Alderperson is an opportunity to shape the future of Richland Center. Responsibilities include:
- Policy & Governance: Voting on city ordinances, resolutions, and the annual budget.
- Meetings: Attendance at Common Council meetings (1st Tuesday of each month) and assigned committee meetings (e.g., Finance, Public Works, or Public Safety).
- Representation: Serving as the direct voice for the residents of District 1.
Application Process
Interested residents should submit a Statement of Interest form (available below) and may include a resume or brief biography outlining their community involvement or professional background.
- Submit your materials to the City Clerk via email clerk@richlandcenterwi.gov or in person at the Municipal Building (450 S. Main Street).
- Review: The Mayor will review all submissions to select a candidate for appointment. Applicants may be contacted for a brief conversation prior to the May 5th meeting.
- Confirmation: The Mayor’s appointee will be presented to the Common Council for confirmation on May 5, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to attend this meeting.
Questions? Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for more information regarding the duties of the office or the requirements for residency.
Citizen Members of Boards & Commissions
Now Accepting Applications from Interested Residents
The City of Richland Center is building a pool of qualified residents interested in serving on its boards and commissions. There are no current vacancies, but appointments are made throughout the year as terms expire or seats become available. Submitting an application now ensures you are considered when the right opportunity arises.
WHAT DO THESE BODIES DO?
City boards and commissions are made up of elected officials and residents appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. They meet regularly to review proposals, advise staff, and make recommendations on matters within their area of focus. Most meet once a month, with occasional special meetings. Members serve fixed terms — typically 1 to 5 years — and may be reappointed.
CURRENT BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
|
Board / Commission |
Primary Focus |
|
Zoning Board of Appeals |
Hears variance and appeal requests related to zoning and land use. |
|
Library Board |
Provides oversight of the operations and programming of the library. |
|
Plan Commission |
Reviews development proposals, zoning changes, and the comprehensive plan. |
|
Utility Commission |
Provides oversight of the operations of City Utilities. |
|
Park Board |
Guides parks planning and recreation programming. |
|
Historic Preservation Commission |
Reviews projects affecting historically significant properties. |
|
Police Commission |
Provides oversight of the police department, including hiring and discipline of the chief and ensuring departmental accountability. |
|
Redevelopment Authority |
Acquires and redevelops blighted or underutilized property to spur economic revitalization in targeted areas of the city. |
|
Housing Authority |
Administers federally funded public housing programs and rental assistance to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income residents. |
|
Joint Review Board |
Reviews and approves the creation of Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts and monitors their ongoing compliance and performance. |
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for appointment to most boards and commissions, you must:
|
✓ Be at least 18 years of age. |
|
✓ Be a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to hold a public appointment under Wisconsin law. |
|
✓ Not hold any other elected city office simultaneously, unless otherwise permitted by statute or ordinance. |
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the Board & Commission Interest Form (attached below) and return it to the City Clerk via email at clerk@richlandcenteriw.gov. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis – there is no deadline.