Shawano County Treasurer Deb Wallace, reelected to a four-year term in 2024, will retire three years early.
Wallace submitted her retirement notice in November, and her last day will be Dec. 19.
“She’s been here 16 years. That’s a lot of great service,” said Julie Hasser, interim administrative coordinator and human resources director. “She’s been a valued asset to our county, and we appreciate her dedication.”
Wallace made her plans formally known in a Nov. 21 letter to county officials.
“Working at the county for the past 16-plus years has been rewarding and a great learning experience to end my career on,” Wallace wrote. “I am grateful for the opportunities to grow, the trust placed in me, and the friendships I have built along the way.
“I will do my best to ensure a smooth transition by assisting with training and documentation of processes and procedures before my departure.”
With County Clerk Kara Skarlupka’s retirement in June, county officials took the opportunity to craft a resolution outlining how they would replace certain elected officials who resign or retire before the end of their terms. The resolution applies to the county clerk and county treasurer.
Hasser said that new policy will be used to replace Wallace. Her term of office is set to expire in January 2029.
According to the new policy, the decision on who to hire will be made by the executive committee with ratification from the county board.
The executive committee and human resources director will review applicants and select who to interview. Closed session interviews will be conducted, and the committee will decide by consensus who to hire for the unexpired term.
Vacancies in the offices of sheriff, coroner and register of deeds are filled by appointment by the governor.
A clerk of court vacancy is filled by appointment by a majority of the local circuit court judges.
Duties of the treasurer involve overseeing the collection of tax monies and real estate taxes; receipting, depositing and balancing deposits of county monies; tracking accounts receivables of county departments; and the monitoring of county cash flow and investing county funds in accordance with county policies, rules and requirements; maintaining inventory of county owned property; administering the lottery credit program.
Wallace’s retirement comes on the heels of several other department heads who stepped down from their posts in 2025. Retirements or resignations were accepted from Steve Dreher, building maintenance; Kimberly Gierach, planning and development; Carrie Buntjer, finance director; Skarlupka, county clerk; Nancy Bell, library director; and Jim Davel, administrative coordinator.
Also resigning this year were Erica Davel, deputy clerk, and Jennifer Hilliker, deputy treasurer.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
