Greetings from MTAW President-Elect, Barb Guckenberger!

I don’t know about all of you but I’m done with this deep freeze and snowy weather and ready for spring. I know it is February in Wisconsin, but come on already!

Speaking of spring, it will be here before we know it and so will the 2019 MTAW Spring Conference. This conference not only includes valuable educational sessions but also provides amazing networking opportunities with other Treasurers around the State – not to mention all of the fun we have! Please consider joining us this year in Oshkosh, WI.

I would like to thank everyone currently serving on the MTAW board or as a committee member. Treasurers are certainly known for their willingness to help each other out and the success of the MTAW is because of volunteers like you. If you are currently serving on the board or a committee and have not contacted me stating that you are interested in continuing for the 2019-2020 term, please do so by March 1st. We have also had many members already volunteer to serve beginning with the 2019 spring conference appointments; however, there are several opportunities still available. Serving on the board or on a committee is a great way to earn points for your MTAW certification or re-certification. If you are interested in any of the positions listed below, please contact me by March 15th at bguckenberger@oakcreekwi.org.

Current vacancies include:
Celebrations Committee:
• 1 – committee chair

2020 Spring Conference (to be held in Elkhart Lake, WI):
• 7 – at-large members
• 1 – committee chair

Constitution and By-Laws Committee:
• 1 – at-large member

Legislative/DOR Committee:
• 1 – at-large member (Town)

Membership Committee:
• 1 – at-large member(District 1)
• 1 – at-large member (District 4)
• 1 – at-large member (District 8)
• 1 – committee chair

Scholarship Committee:
• 1 – former officer/director

Treasurers Manual Update Committee:
• 1 – at-large member (Town)

Mentoring Committee:
• 1 – committee co-chair

Audit Committee:
• 1 – Past-President/Board Member
• 1 – committee chair

District Co-Director:
• 1 – at-large member (District 1)
• 1 – at-large member (District 2)
• 1 – at-large member (District 7)
• 1 – at-large member (District 8)

To learn about a committees’ responsibilities or to understand the District Director/Co-Director duties, read the bylaws & policies/procedures and Officers and Committees Manual, which are listed in the footer on any page of the website.

Happy 2019!

I hope everyone was able to spend time with their family and friends over the holidays.

This time of year can be very stressful with yearend close out, tax collections and auditors. Remember to take a few moments each day to Zen, you will be able to handle the day to day stresses better.

For those treasurers who are seeking certification or recertification at the spring conference, your applications are due to MTAW by March 1^st.

Also due by March 1^st are applications for conference scholarships and UW-GB Institute scholarships. For more information on these scholarships or to obtain the application, please visit the footer of the MTAW website under “APPLICATION FORMS.”

The spring conference is also the time when board and committee appointments are confirmed. If you are interested in serving on the board or a committee, please contact the incoming President, Barb Guckenberger at bguckenberger@oakcreekwi.org

Last but not least, the MTAW Spring Conference is May 2^nd & 3^rd at the Best Western in Oshkosh, hope to see you there!

Beverly Langenback

MTAW President

Barb Hendricks, City of Tomah Deputy Treasurer

Describe your current government position.
I am the Deputy Treasurer for the City of Tomah. I’ve been with the city since 2014, and I’m proud to be a part of a team which serves a population of 9,424.

Why did you accept a public administration position?
I wanted to help make a difference in our community. I felt this profession would offer an opportunity for me to provide the highest level of service, financial precision, and community support while providing personal integrity to our residence.

How has MTAW helped in your career development?
The MTAW has offered excellence educational opportunities through the spring and fall conferences, scholarship funding for UWGB Wisconsin Municipal Treasurers institute, invaluable networking and friendships that will last a lifetime.

What is the most challenging aspect about your current position?
One of the most challenging aspects is the never ending need for funds. We are constantly looking for ways to be good stewards of our funds in order to encompass our needs to create growth and positive change.

What are you most passionate about as a leader in public administration?
I’m very passionate about making a difference, lending a hand, learning & sharing knowledge and empowering & helping others.

Describe the most interesting experience you have had in public administration.
Working in the position, I’m afforded the chance to experience many interesting experiences, but as we all know most of which I shouldn’t share.

What is on your wish list or agenda for the next 5-10 years for your municipality?
Having the opportunity to help our community continue to grow and thrive. By working to promote a safe, welcoming city that people are proud to call home.

Share a proud job-related moment.
I’m very proud that I took the opportunity to complete my three year UWGB Wisconsin Treasurers institute. The institute is an investment in my career, my community and my future.

How or where do you like to spend your time to recharge yourself?
I love to spend my time with friends, my family and making memories with my Grandchildren.

What three words best describe you?
Loving, Giving, Creative.

What advice/tips do you have for new treasurers?
Take advantage of any and all educational opportunities. Reach out to your fellow Treasurer. The relationship you develop will provide you with support, networking contacts when you have concerns and they will be there when you just need a friend!

Favorite village weblinks:
http://www.tomahonline.com

http:/www.chasingdaylight.com

http://www.tomahwisconsin.com

May 2, 2018

RE:  MTAW John Schlice Scholarship

My name is Connie Zimmerman, Clerk/Treasurer for the Town of Fulton.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the MTAW for awarding me the John Schlice scholarship.  Awards such as these enable many treasurers, such as myself to continue attending training, reducing some of the burden on the budget.

I’ve been a clerk/treasurer for 12 years, and this conference was one of my favorites.  It was held at The American Club – Kohler, WI.  I’ve never been to Kohler before.  What a beautiful conference center and community!  If you attended, you definitely know what I mean, and if you were not fortunate enough to attend, rumor has it, we may be having a future conference there in the next few years, so possibly you can attend then, to see it for yourself.

We were welcomed by Village President Thomas Schnettler, who gave us a brief history of the community, and explained how involved Kohler Co. is with the community.  As Thomas Schnettler explained, it is a unique relationship, like a marriage, between Kohler Co., and the Village of Kohler.  I’ve never known of a community where a company is so greatly involved.  I have to admit, I am uncertain if that “marriage” would work in other communities.  Kudos to Kohler Co. and Village of Kohler for making it work!  The rewards are very evident to visitors.

The conference committee did an exceptional job for the educational classes and speakers, as well as planning the extracurricular activities.  From the hotels to the food we ate, and everything in between, everything was superb!

Baker Tilly did a great presentation on audit readiness, things that we all need to know.  The presenter explained the year end closing process, tax process for municipalities, clearing taxes, and recording taxes.  Some of the items she spoke about did not apply to the town I work for because we are on a cash basis rather than an accrual basis, but it was good information to listen to, and store in the back of my brain should I need it in the future.  She also included examples of forms treasurer’s use, which are always good to reference to.

With the ever changing laws, the DOR updates proved to be very informative.  This session provided us with information on tax law changes, expenditure restraint program, levy limits, documentation and resources.   What I truly liked about this session, was the many questions and answers that were asked of the DOR.  Often times, other treasurers have questions about laws, and circumstances in their communities that they just aren’t sure how deal with, and by hearing the questions/answers, I am able to gain more knowledge.

Elhlers Inc. provided another informative session on GO Notes, Revenue Bonds, and TIFs.  While this class didn’t particularly apply to my municipality, again, it was very interesting to learn about.  I can only imagine that larger municipalities have to deal with this topic quite often.

There was a great variety of Municipal Service Providers at the conference.  It is always nice to stop by the booths and visit for a short time with them.  Some of them are providers our town uses, and others I have gotten to know throughout the years of attending conferences, while others were new, or at least new to me.  It’s always interesting when I return to the office with the few trinkets I’ve collected and then one day I look at that item, and end up calling that Service Provider for a price quote for something the town needs.

There was a brief overview of the MTAW website, definitely beneficial to all of us!  It’s one of the websites we visit often, and pointers are always helpful.

Employee issues for leave of Absences, and Reasonable Accommodations and how they are related to workers compensation was the final session on Friday.  Attorney James Macy was extremely knowledgeable, and presented in a manner that wasn’t “over our heads” as many times attorneys can be.  He added humor, and real life examples to what he was presenting, making it even more relatable.

Again, I would like to extend my gratitude to the entire MTAW for continuing to provide conferences where we can learn, network with other treasurers, experience new places and things, and have fun!

Sincerely,

 

Connie Zimmerman, WCMC, CMTW
Clerk/Treasurer
Town of Fulton

September 2017 – MTAW received one (1) John Schlice Scholarship application by the August 1 deadline and the Board awarded the following:

Connie Zimmerman, Town of Fulton Clerk-Treasurer

April 2018 – MTAW received twenty-seven (27) UW-GB Institute Scholarship applications by the March 1 deadline and Board awarded the following:

2018 Scholarships
#	Scholarship	Contributor	Recipient	Municipality	Year
1	$702	Ehlers & Associates, Inc. (Dorothy Berkan Memorial (tuition/lodging)	Anandhi Krishman	V of Somers	1st
2	$472	Baker Tilley Virchow Krause, LLP	Meagan VandeBerg	C of Fox Lake	1st
3	$472	Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.	Amy Hall	V of Mount Horeb	1st
4	$472	Workhorse Software Services, Inc.	Sue Born	T of Mosel	TC
5	$100	Quarles & Brady, LLP	Melissa Kempen	T of Merton	1st
6	$100	Quarles & Brady, LLP	Jessica Legois	V of Suamico	2nd
7	$100	Quarles & Brady, LLP	Tasha Rass	V of Sister Bay	3rd
8	$100	Quarles & Brady, LLP	Lori Phelan	V of Ridgeway	TC
9	$472	MTAW	Nicole Mrzena	C of Adams	1st
10	$100	MTAW	Sara Regenauer	T of Beloit	1st
11	$100	MTAW	Kay Weisensel	T of Sun Prairie	2nd
12	$100	MTAW	Melissa Blease	V of Cambria	TC

New – MTAW Conference Registration Scholarship – The Conference Registration Scholarship Program began in 2017 and is funded by pledges received from Municipal Service Providers. The number of scholarships awarded may vary each year based on available funds. Recipients shall use their scholarship, which will be distributed as a reimbursement to the recipient’s municipality, for the current year’s Spring or Fall Conference. The scholarship cannot be carried over to the following year. Limit one scholarship per MTAW member per lifetime. Current MTAW Officers and Board members are ineligible for this scholarship.

MTAW received seventeen (17) Conference Registration scholarship applications by the March 1 deadline and the Board award the following:

Scholarship	Contributor	Recipient	Municipality
$120	League of Wisconsin Municipalities Mutual Insurance (LWMMI)	Becky Frederick	V of Hixton
$120	Workhorse Software Services, Inc.	Jenny Salvo	C of Edgerton
$120	Ehler’s & Associates, Inc.	Lori Breiwa	V of Cobb
$120	MTAW	Shelly Bull	V of Linden