West Bend, WI – The city of West Bend, WI has selected its new city administrator.
The City of West Bend has selected Jesse Thyes, current administrator of the Village of Grafton, as its new city administrator.
District 1 alderman John Butschlick said Thyes was his first choice. “I like Jesse, he was personable,” said Butschlick. “Eric (Ertmoed from the Village of Lisle, IL) was really good too but everyone was on the same page.”
Butschlick praised Thyes for his past accomplishments in Grafton and thought he would be a good fit for West Bend.
Thyes laid out his vision for West Bend’s future while reflecting on the path that brought him here. “City Hall should not be a closed-off ivory tower,” Thyes said. “We are here to serve the public, to be open, accessible, and part of the community we represent.”
While there is no residency requirement for a city administrator, Thyes said he will not be moving to the community at this time but may consider it down the road.
Thyes has served as the Village Administrator in Grafton for the past nine years. Under his leadership, Grafton worked to improve operational efficiency and foster stronger connections with residents.
Before Grafton, Thyes held administrative and planning positions in communities across southeastern Wisconsin. His career began in planning and zoning with Dodge County, followed by a similar role in the Village of Brown Deer. There, he advanced into administration as the Assistant Village Manager and Community Services Director, where he gained hands-on experience with budgeting, capital projects, and redevelopment efforts.
His first full administrator role came in the Village of Butler in Waukesha County. With a lean staff, Thyes also served as the municipal clerk, administering elections during the politically turbulent recall of Governor Scott Walker and Senator Alberta Darling—an experience he described as “a trial by fire.”
Thyes later joined the City of Mequon as Assistant City Administrator and Human Resources Director. He also served as acting city administrator for eight months, during which time he adopted the city budget and led the publication of Mequon’s first-ever Annual Financial Report—a user-friendly version of the municipal budget that garnered recognition from the National Government Finance Officers Association.
Academically, Thyes earned his master’s degree in public administration from Concordia University in Mequon while working full time.
As he looks to his new role in West Bend, Thyes emphasized that the city is at a pivotal point of progress and potential. “West Bend is a place that values responsible growth, innovation, and stewardship of taxpayer dollars. That excites me as a professional.”
He also pledged to be a hands-on leader. “The administrator needs to be a visible part of the community—not just someone who shows up to council meetings. You will see me around town, listening, engaging, and working alongside our elected officials and staff.”
Thyes officially begins his tenure in West Bend, Wi, on August 11, 2025.
His start date is expected to be July 2025. The starting salary range was posted at $175,000 – 195,000 +/- DOQ, however details were not released on his agreed level of pay.
Butschlick said contract negotiations will be approved by the council.
Police Chief Tim Dehring will continue as interim administrator until Thyes takes over.
Below are other articles about the selection process in the City of West Bend, Wi.
West Bend, Wi – There was a public engagement session at West Bend, WI, City Hall as two finalists for city administrator met with city workers, county supervisors and neighbors. One finalist, Timothy Blakeslee from the City of Plymouth, dropped out of the running following a special meeting, June 2, 2025 in Plymouth.
Both Eric Ertmoed from the Village of Lisle, IL and Jesse Thyes from the Village of Grafton addressed the room.
special_common_council_agenda_06-05-25According to the agenda the council in Plymouth went into closed session. There was speculation Plymouth offered Blakeslee more money to stay and thus he dropped out of pursuing West Bend. That has not been confirmed.
West Bend is expected to possibly name a new city administrator in the coming days.
West Bend, WI – There will be public engagement with the finalist candidates for city administrator on Wednesday, June 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Alderman John Butschlick said there is no need to pre-register; just show up.
Butschlick said the public will be able to ask questions to the individual candidates.
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Eric Ertmoed | A native of Illinois, Ertmoed began his career as a management analyst with a consulting firm that advised various local government entities before joining the Village of Lisle, Illinois in 2008. He has held several leadership roles with Lisle, including Assistant Village Manager, and then Village Manager from 2017 until May 2025. Ertmoed currently serves as the Village of Lisle’s Economic Development & Strategic Initiatives Director.
Jesse Thyes | Thyes has served as Village Administrator for the Village of Grafton, Wisconsin since 2016, following similar roles in the City of Mequon and Village of Butler. Prior to these, he was Assistant Village Manager and Community Services Director for the Village of Brown Deer.
The city received 37 applications. That number was trimmed to a dozen and now three have made it to the final round.
May 19, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – The West Bend common council will go into closed session on Monday, May 19, 2025, to discuss the candidates for the city administrator position.
The deadline was April 28, 2025, for applicants to submit their information.
On May 10, 2025, a story was published that the city received 37 applications. That figure was confirmed by an alderman.
On Monday, May 19 the council will review applications from people who met the qualifications for the position. Those qualification are posted below.
Also, during Monday’s meeting former District 5 alderman Jed Dolnick will be appointed to the plan commission and the board of zoning appeals. In both instances Dolnick will replace Chris Schmidt. Dolnick will take up the post May 19, 2025.
The council meeting gets underway at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 1115 S. Main Street. The meeting is open to the public.
May 10, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – The deadline to apply for the West Bend city administrator expired April 28, 2025. Aldermen indicate 37 applications were received.
According to the job posting by GovHRUSA
City Administrator – West Bend, WI (pop. 32,255). Offering an exciting opportunity in one of Wisconsin’s top communities, the City of West Bend is a desirable, family-friendly, full-service municipality 30 minutes northwest of Milwaukee. The city seeks its next City Administrator.
In the mid-1800s European settlement was initiated in West Bend following the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature’s decision to build a road between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac, then the state’s two largest cities.
Commissioners assigned to lay out the road decided that the most suitable location for the new mid-point village was at the westward bend of the Milwaukee River. Today, proud of its historic sites, vibrant residential neighborhoods, solid businesses, and a revitalized downtown, West Bend is home to many excellent cultural, recreational, and educational amenities.
The City Administrator is in charge of day-to-day operations including oversight of 14 departments and divisions, 225 full-time employees, a budget of approximately $50 million, and FY 2025 capital funding set at $5.6 M. The City is in excellent financial condition with a AA bond rating (S&P), and a fund balance of more than 36% of operating funds.
The city is looking for a collaborative and transparent professional with strong communication skills. Work experience with a variety of community stakeholders is important. A record of visibility in the community is highly valued.
Ideal candidates will possess:
A master’s degree in public administration, political science, or closely related field;
Eight – 10 years of increasingly responsible municipal executive level experience, including a minimum of three – five years as a city administrator or manager; or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
Proven leadership, managerial, and interpersonal skills to direct a city team serving an engaged community.
Financial, analytical, and budget management skills to lead a financially fit organization; and Demonstrable economic development experience is highly valued.
The mayor-Council-City Administrator form of government enjoys a long history in the community. The current City Administrator is retiring after eight years. The City Administrator reports to a nine-member Common Council, including the mayor. The starting salary range: $175,000 – 195,000 +/- DOQ, plus an excellent benefits package.
Apply online with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by April 28, 2025. Confidential inquiries may be sent to: Lee Szymborski and David De Angelis, Senior Consultants, MGT, Northfield, IL. Tel: 847-380-3240 X 103 and/or X 187. The city is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
Posted: 2025-04-07
The pay range for the new administrator is below, starting at $175,000.
Click HERE to view city of West Bend salaries from 2023.
The interim city administrator is West Bend Police Chief Tim Dehring. Calls have been placed to Human Resources and Michelle Hoy to determine the pay for the interim position.
Dehring was selected to serve as the interim administrator starting April 5, 2025. He will serve in that post for possibly the next three months while the city works with a search firm to fill the position.
Click HERE for the last city administrator’s contract which listed salary at $193,000 for 2025.
As in the past, background checks are being conducted on the applicants.
Early indications are the candidate pool will be trimmed to about a dozen. There’s no word whether the public will be invited to meet the candidates, or whether names of candidates will be released.
This is a working story, and more information will be published when details are available.
Calls have been placed to aldermen in the city of West Bend. Updates will be posted when calls have been returned.
