April 2, 2025 – West Bend, WI – The West Bend Police and Fire Commission went into closed session at the end of March to discuss Police Chief Tim Dehring’s appointment as interim city administrator.
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.
Dehring will also continue serving as chief.
Council president John Butschlick said, “Out of all the staff in the City of West Bend, Tim Dehring is the only person we feel is capable of doing the job.”
Dehring reportedly initially denied the offer, but later returned and said he loved the city, and he would only step forward until a new administrator was found.
“Tim Dehring is the best person to guide us until we get a new administrator,” said Butschlick. “I have a lot of faith in him, he’s doing a phenomenal job with the police department.”
Dehring made it clear; he would not be up on the third floor sitting behind the desk during this time. “Tim said that’s not my job, my job is the police chief but if there are issues that come up, I certainly will be available and I will help any way I can,” said Butschlick.
Alderman John Spartz said Dehring wanted to help. “Tim is well qualified, he has his master’s in public administration, he knows what he’s doing, he’s very good with people and he will keep the ship afloat,” he said.
Questioned whether he can handle both jobs as police chief and city administrator and Spartz said yes. “We asked him about that, and the nice thing is, he’s not saying he wants the job… he’s willing to help the city out.”
Spartz said a contract has been agreed to regarding payment, however that amount has not been disclosed.
Calls have been placed to Dehring and the Police and Fire Commission.
Questioned whether the city would also look to fill the assistant city administrator’s position, alderman Spartz said “no.”
