Common Council

The City of Markesan operates under the laws of the State of Wisconsin as a city.  It is operated by a part-time Mayor-Alderperson form of government.  The Mayor and six Alderpeople, collectively the Common Council, are elected by the residents of the City on a non-partisan ballot.  The City is divided into three wards, with two Alderpeople elected from each ward, and only residents of that ward voting for their respective Alderperson.  The Mayor is elected by residents of the City as a whole.  Alderpeople are elected to staggered two-year terms, with one alderperson from each ward being elected each year.  The Mayor is elected to a two-year term, in odd-numbered years.

These elected positions are paid positions with the Mayor receiving a salary of $6000 per year, plus $20-40 per diems for each meeting attended.  Alderpeople receive per diems of $40-60 per meeting attended.  All Common Council members are paid once per year in December, except the Mayor, who receives a monthly salary, with per diems paid in December.

The Common Council, as elected representatives of the people, adopt all ordinances (laws) and resolutions for the City.  They also determine general goals and policies, and supervise the management of all City departments. For more details regarding Common Council responsibilities, please see Chapter 23 of the Markesan Code of Ordinances.

Committee meetings are typically held monthly, on the Tuesday or Thursday prior to the Council meetings.  Actual dates and times may vary.  Please go to the Calendar on our home page to view upcoming meetings. For more information about the responsibilities of each Committee, see Chapter 23-5 of the Markesan Code of Ordinances.