By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Citing frustration with his elected colleagues’ decisions concerning financial decisions, Waterford Trustee Stephen Denman has stepped down from the Village Board.
Denman, who most recently was a vocal opponent of the village’s decision to switch contractors for police protection in 2016, officially tendered his resignation June 15. It was approved by the Village Board a week later, on June 22, and a series of next-steps have been set in motion.
“In the past year, I have struggled with some of the financial decisions coming from this board,” Denman wrote in his letter. “I wish that I could make sense of it, but as much as I try, I cannot.”
Throughout the months-long debate concerning the village’s proposed shifting of police protection from the Racine County Sheriff’s Department to the Town of Waterford Police Department, Denman raised concerns about some of the unknowns within the new police contract.
But in his resignation letter, Denman said his concerns about the board’s approach to financial management extend beyond police services.
Denman, who had a lead role in the Waterford Fire Department for 18 years, said he sought financial assistance from the elected representatives at the time. For years, the number of the department’s active members had been dwindling — a scenario that replicated what had been taking place across the country.
“For years, I asked for financial assistance to increase membership, only to be told the village had no money available for the department,” Denman recalled in his letter. “This led to many members, including myself, suffering from burnout.”
Looking to the more recent future, as the village’s fire department has been reorganized in recognition of population growth in the community, Denman said he was bewildered that financial decisions benefiting the fire department came into play.
“It has puzzled me that once the village reorganized the department, those funds magically appeared overnight for the new command staff of the Waterford Fire Department,” Denman wrote.
In his letter, Denman said he hoped the board would work toward decisions he considered representing the interests of residents in the community.
“I will certainly be watching as a taxpayer,” he added.
The six remaining board members have discussed a succession plan for Denman’s vacancy. His seat has slightly less than a year left on it, expiring April 15.
While Denman’s long-term successor will be chosen by voters next spring during the general election, the board has one of two options to address Denman’s vacancy.
In accordance with state statutes, the board could appoint a person to fill the seat through next spring or hold a special election. The latter method typically has not been used by municipalities because of added costs associated with printing ballots.
After a brief period of deliberation June 22, the board opted to move forward with the appointment process.
Village President Tom Roanhouse and the five seated trustees will nominate persons interested in serving on the board.
A formal vote to chose the appointee is scheduled to take place at the board’s regular meeting Aug. 10.
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