Greetings from the new MTAW President, Barb Guckenberger:

Thank you to the Municipal Treasurers Association of Wisconsin (MTAW) members for electing me as your 2019/2020 President. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve such an outstanding organization with so many amazing volunteers and members. I have many big shoes to fill; I hope that my leadership lives up to the expectations our members deserve.

My name is Barb Guckenberger and here are a few things to know about me. Faith, family and friends are foremost in my life. I am married (40 years in October) and have been Blessed with four amazing daughters, three sons-in-law, one beautiful granddaughter and four handsome grandsons (okay, I might be a bit biased). I am also the Treasurer for a 501(C)(3) Foundation; enjoy volunteer work, traveling, golf, fishing, Brewer games and an occasional glass of wine (or two). I think I have a great sense of humor but I am afraid not everyone else thinks I am as funny as I do.

I have been Treasurer for the City of Oak Creek for 16 years and love what I do (most days anyway)! I have an Associate’s Degree in Accounting, graduated from the UW-GB Treasurers Institute in 2005 and Clerks Completion in 2006. I became a Certified Municipal Treasurer of Wisconsin (CMTW) in Spring 2014 and received 1st re-certification in Fall 2018. I have served on several different conference/other committees and joined the MTAW board as Secretary in 2016; the rest is history as they say.

If you are not yet a member of MTAW, please considering joining. There are many member benefits such as cost savings for educational programs, scholarship opportunities, mentoring and access to the members only section of the MTAW website just to name a few.

Have you completed the three-year Treasurers Institute yet? This invaluable education not only provides what you need to be successful at your job but the points you earn go toward certification. For more information, or to register for this year’s Treasurers Institute, July 14 – 19, at the Radisson in Green Bay, go to uwgb.edu/govt/clerks-treasurers-institute/general-information.

How about joining us at the 2019 Fall Conference in Cable? MTAW conferences provide invaluable education and networking, you earn points toward certification/re-certification and they are so much fun! Are you looking to achieve the CMTW Certification? You can earn experience points toward certification/re-certification by volunteering for a committee, chairing a committee, becoming a District Director or a Board member. There are several opportunities currently available. If you are interested in any of the positions listed below, please contact me ASAP at bguckenberger@oakcreekwi.org.

• District Co-Director – 1 Co-Director from District #8
• Constitution/ByLaws Committee – 1 at large member
• Election Committee – 1 at large member
• Legislative/DOR Committee – 1 at large member from a City to chair the committee

To learn more about MTAW benefits, committees, apply for scholarships, register for conferences and more you can visit our website at mtaw.org. Have a great summer and I hope to see you all soon!

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