About Appointments

The mayor is responsible for making most appointments, subject to confirmation of the Common Council. Common Council makes appointments to Water Works and Lighting Commission and Ethics Board. For detailed information about City administration and appointments, please review Chapter 2 of Municipal Code. Please review recent agendas and minutes to better understand the topics they are discussing.

Currently Recruiting

The below board/commission positions are either currently available or nearing end of term. 

Board of Review | 2 Alternate Members
Historic Preservation Commission | 1 Regular Member
Zoning Board of Appeals | 1 Alternate Member

Upcoming appointments can be found in the City Directory, which is updated periodically.

How to Apply for an Appointment

The mayor and Common Council invite City of Wisconsin Rapids residents to apply to volunteer on boards and commissions! 

Process for Mayoral Appointments

1. ​​Those seeking appointment to a board or commission are asked to complete an Appointment Application Form and provide a letter of interest or resume that explains your qualifications relevant to the appointment(s) you’re interested in. Those seeking reappointment are only asked to complete an Appointment Application Form. The application form provides additional details.
2. Applicants who are being considered for an appointment to a board or commission will be contacted by the Mayor's Office, typically 2 weeks ahead of the Common Council meeting, to discuss the opportunity.
3. If the mayor chooses to appoint you to a board or commission, he will notify you and place the appointment on the next Common Council agenda for Council consideration. 
4. If the Common Council votes to confirm the mayor's appointments, you will be contacted by the Mayor's Office within one week to connect you with your staff contact for the commission or board. Your staff contact with orient you and include you in meetings going forward. 

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Process for Council Appointments

1. ​​Those seeking appointment or reappointment to a board or commission are required to complete an Appointment Application Form and provide a letter of interest or resume that explains your qualifications relevant to the appointment(s) you’re interested in. The application form provides additional details.
2. The Common Council will typically review and discuss applications, and make an appointment at the Common Council meeting preceding the term expiration. (Ex: If the term ends on November 1 of that year, they will typically make an appointment in the October Common Council meeting.) Applicants who are being considered for an appointment to a board or commission are typically offered an opportunity to address the Common Council at their meeting, before the Council makes their decision.
3. If the Common Council appointments you to a board or commission, the Clerk's Office will ensure you are appropriately connected. 

​You can apply for any City of Wisconsin Rapids board or commission, even if there isn't an opening. Applications will be on file and may be considered until January 1 of the following year or until the applicant notifies the Mayor's Office of any changes to their interest, whichever comes first. 

​​For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 715-421-8216 or [email protected].

​​Appointment Application Form

Boards & Commissions

Board of Review | The Board of Review hears objections from property owners regarding the assessed value of property they own, as determined by the City Assessor. The Board’s responsibilities are provided in 70.46 through 70.503 Wis. Stats. | Typically, meets twice a year. The meeting schedule varies. 

Ethics Board | The Ethics Board provides advisory opinions and investigates any complaint properly filed with the board. | Typically, meets twice a year. The meeting schedule varies. 

Historic Preservation Commission | The Historic Preservation Commission works to identify and preserve historic structures, sites, and districts within the city. | The meeting schedule varies.

Housing Authority | The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of Wisconsin Rapids is to assist low-income families by creating strong, safe, sustainable, inclusive and affordable housing opportunities as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency and improve the quality of their lives. | Typically, meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.

Library Board | The Library Board has control of the library's budget (including all monies collected, donated, or appropriated for the library), and has exclusive charge, control, and custody of all lands, buildings, and property established by the municipality for library purposes. The board also oversees the administration of the library, by setting library policies and hiring a qualified library director who administers the daily operation of the library. | Typically, the Library Board meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. Committee meeting schedules vary. 

Park and Recreation Commission | The Park and Recreation Commission is responsible for budget and policy development (subject to Council approval) and oversight of operations for the Park and Recreation Department. Advises the City Council on matters pertaining to public recreation and park planning. | Typically, meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 4 p.m.

Planning Commission | The Planning Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Common Council on community plans and plan implementation. They also handle development review (conditional use, rezone, plats, etc.). | Typically, meets the 1st Monday of each month at 4 p.m. 

Police and Fire Commission | The Police and Fire Commission is responsible for hiring Police and Fire chiefs, and approval of subordinate appointments. It also reviews charges against and may discipline or dismiss the Police or Fire Chief. | Typically, meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. | Members receive a stipend for meeting attendance. ​

Redevelopment Authority | The Redevelopment Authority is created for the purpose of carrying out blight elimination, slum clearance, and urban renewal programs and projects set forth by Wisconsin State Statute 66.1333(3). | This group isn't currently meeting. 

Wastewater Treatment Commission | The purpose of the Wastewater Treatment Commission is to provide wastewater collection, treatment and disposal services. | Typically, meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. | Members receive a stipend for meeting attendance. 

Water Works and Lighting Commission | The Water Works and Lighting Commission ensures safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible utility services. | Typically, meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m.
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Zoning Board of Appeals | The Zoning Board of Appeals assists the zoning administrator in making interpretations; and hears appeals for any person that is aggrieved by a decision of the zoning administrator and passes judgement on that appeal; and grants variances from the ordinance. | The meeting schedule varies.