Council Member Photo: David Wiese, Justin Schmick, Darin Treleven, Mayor Mary Berndt, Amanda Zick and Scott Jorgenson
About Your City Government
The City of Omro operates as a Fourth Class City under Chapter 62 of the Wisconsin Statutes and follows the Mayor–Council form of government. Under this structure, the City Council serves as the legislative body responsible for establishing local policies, ordinances, and budgets. Administrative operations are managed by the City Administrator-Clerk-Treasurer under the direction of the Common Council, while the Municipal Court oversees judicial matters within the community.
The Omro City Council is committed to transparent, responsive, and accountable local government. Council members work collaboratively to guide community growth, maintain public services, and promote the health, safety, and welfare of residents.
In accordance with Wisconsin Open Records Law, communications sent to City officials or staff, including emails, may be considered public records and may be subject to inspection or disclosure upon request.
To contact a member of the Omro City Council, please use the email links provided next to each council member’s photo. Responses may be provided by email, telephone, or standard mail.
Correspondence for the Omro City Council may be directed to:
City of Omro
Attn: City Council Correspondence
205 South Webster Avenue
P.O. Box 399
Omro, WI 54963
Duties and Responsibilities of a Mayor in a Wisconsin Fourth Class City
The Mayor of a Wisconsin Fourth Class City serves as the chief elected and executive official of the municipality under the Mayor–Council form of government established in Chapter 62 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Presiding over Common Council meetings and maintaining order and proper procedure.
- Providing executive leadership and helping ensure city ordinances, policies, and state laws are enforced.
- Appointing members to boards, commissions, and committees as authorized by statute or local ordinance.
- Signing official city documents such as ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and proclamations.
- Exercising veto authority when permitted by law.
- Assisting in budget development, financial planning, and setting municipal priorities.
- Representing the city at community events, public meetings, and regional functions.
- Supporting emergency management and public safety coordination during emergencies.
- Working collaboratively with the Common Council, city staff, and department heads on policy development and strategic planning.
- Complying with Open Meetings Law, Public Records Law, ethics requirements, and conflict-of-interest standards.
While the Mayor provides leadership and direction, legislative authority rests with the Common Council acting collectively. The Mayor must work within the authority granted by Wisconsin Statutes and local ordinances.
Duties and Responsibilities of City Council Members in a Wisconsin Fourth Class City
City Council members in a Wisconsin Fourth Class City serve as the municipality’s legislative and policy-making body under Chapter 62 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Their primary role is to govern collectively in the best interests of the community.
Key responsibilities include:
- Adopting ordinances, resolutions, policies, and local regulations.
- Reviewing and approving the annual budget, expenditures, contracts, and tax levy.
- Establishing long-term goals related to economic development, infrastructure, public services, and community growth.
- Representing residents by listening to concerns and encouraging public participation.
- Attending meetings, reviewing materials, participating in discussions, and voting on city business.
- Providing oversight of municipal administration while avoiding involvement in daily operations or staff management.
- Complying with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law, Public Records Law, and ethical standards.
- Avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining confidentiality regarding closed session matters.
- Acting impartially during hearings or quasi-judicial proceedings.
- Supporting the community through leadership, professionalism, and collaboration.
Council members act only as part of the Common Council during properly noticed public meetings. Individual members generally have no independent authority outside official Council action.
