Washington County Planning and Parks Administrator Jay Shambeau has been confirmed as West Bend’s new city administrator.
During a special Monday meeting the West Bend common council tabbed Shambeau to fill the spot that’s been covered by assistant city administrator Amy Reuteman.
Mayor Kraig Sadownikow praised the interview process which included a stakeholder group and input from department heads in the city.
“It went awesome and the department heads were engaged and made some strong suggestions,” said Sadownikow.
“The community group, led by Washington County Administrator Joshua Schoemann, also gave the council great input and it gave the council the opportunity to look at the candidates from several different perspectives.
“We’re really happy to announce the selection of Jay Shambeau,” Sadownikow said.
The council voted 7 – 0 in favor of Shambeau. Dist. 5 alderman Rich Kasten was absent from the meeting.
About 29 people applied for the post. The city worked with GovHR USA along with its stakeholders group.
Shambeau said he’s excited about the opportunity to work in a great city. “There’s a lot of potential here for additional development and to work with some of the established resources,” he said.
Reuteman crossed the room after the announcement and gave Shambeau a high five. “I was almost crying in closed session,” said Reuteman who has shoulder much of the responsibility the last four months.
Not only did Reuteman cover the city administrator’s position she also held down the city clerk’s job, headed up the August Partisan Primary Election and helped cover Human Resources.
“I’m just elated,” said Reuteman with a bit of exhaustion. “Jay is well respected and he realizes he’s going to have to bring integrity back to the position.”
In April, the community of West Bend was rocked by the news that its city administrator, T.J. Justice, had been arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor for sex.
The mayor said “West Bend would not be identified by one person.”
Shambeau said he’s confident he can do the job. Â “The biggest way is to bring credibility and professional leadership to the city and by leading by example,” he said.
Shambeau’s salary will be $125,000.
Shambeau has been with Washington County since 2014. He had been Calumet County Administrator from June 2008 – April 2014 and prior to that he was Village Administrator in Kewaskum from July 2006 – June 2008.
As far as filling Shambeau’s post with Washington County Parks, he said he had just started discussing it with County Administrator Schoemann.
Shambeau is expected to start his new job in early September.
On a side note: In Waukesha County Court today a jury trial was scheduled for December for Justice, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Congratulations Jay! West Bend deserves a real administrator and now has a great one. Congrats to the staff who waited for so long and deserves this day! West Bend is in great hands.