City Administrator
City of Portage, WI (Population 10,126)
The City of Portage, known as “Where the North Begins" is the largest municipality in Columbia County. It serves as the county seat and is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area, adjacent to the Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area. Located just 30 minutes from Madison and near the Wisconsin Dells recreation area, Portage offers an affordable, high-quality alternative to big city living. Its strategic location along Interstates 39 and 94 and U.S. Highway 51 enhances its regional appeal, while its commercial and industrial base contributes to a strong local economy.
The City Administrator is the chief administrative officer, overseeing the departments of Administration, Finance, Parks/Recreation/Forestry, Business Development and Planning, Public Works, and Utilities. The position also supervises the Police and Fire/EMS Departments and the Library. Appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the nine-member Common Council, the City Administrator plays a key role in policy implementation and community leadership.
Portage’s total 2025 budget is $31.2 million, including: General Fund: $9.6 million; Capital Project Funds: $9.7 million; Debt Service Fund: $3.6 million; Special Revenue Funds (including EMS): $5.7 million; Sanitary Sewer Utility: $2.9 million; Water Utility: $2.7 million; TIF Districts: $727,462
The city employs 89 full-time, 15 part-time, and approximately 80 seasonal staff members.
The new Portage Administrator can look forward to a wide range of challenging and interesting work, including leveraging its location, current amenities, and TIF Districts to both retain and attract new business and residential development. Continue partnerships with County, School, and Community Groups to collaborate on City needs and strategic plan for the future. Continue to develop and initiate an infrastructure improvement plan and City facilities plan, including a facilities wide plant upgrade to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (project estimated at $55 million dollars). Assist in continued implementation of new EMS services, following 2024 voter approved referendum. Innovative budget and capital planning to meet city needs and employee retention while meeting local and State imposed expenditure and levy limit restraints.
Starting salary range is $125,000 - $145,000 plus excellent benefits DOQ. Bachelor's degree in public or business administration (master’s preferred). A minimum of five years of progressively responsible municipal leadership. Private sector or military experience will be considered if relevant. Requires a strong skill set in budget development and management, capital improvement planning and execution, commercial development/redevelopment – overall economic development. human resources (pay, performance and general personnel management) and strategic planning.
The ideal candidate will be a high-integrity leader with open and positive communication skills, passion for public service, and a collaborative approach to governance. Strong listening skills and the ability to be a team builder and leader in addressing community issues will be critical for success.
Send cover letter, resume, five work-related references, and salary history as a single PDF to Public Administration Associates, LLC, Attn: Sue McDade, Vice President; 1155 W. South Street, Whitewater, WI 53190; email smcdade@public-administration.com by April 28, 2025. For questions, contact Sue McDade at (608) 516-9012
Confidentiality requests must be made by the applicant but cannot be guaranteed for finalists.
