Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker last week signed legislation creating the elected post of comptroller in Milwaukee County to manage debt, audits, and other fiscal manners.
Voters will go to the polls in April to elect a candidate for the post.
Walker, who served as the county executive before to his election last year, said the new position would “provide another level of accountability to protect taxpayers.”
The city of Milwaukee has long elected a comptroller and sponsors of the legislation modeled their proposal after the city.
The legislation, which recently passed with bipartisan support, requires the comptroller to be a certified or licensed public accountant or hold a graduate degree in accounting and finance.
Supporters argued that an independent watchdog of county finances was needed.
Critics argued that the position is not needed and infringes on the board’s authority.
The current county executive, Chris Abele, supported the creation of the new post.
