Lake Mills city clerk to retire January 2022

After over 20 years working at the Lake Mills City Hall, city clerk Dorene Holstad will be retiring on Jan. 21.

Upon graduation, Holstad attended Spencer School of Business to obtain a two-year degree in business administration and accounting. After this, she got a job at Forest City Regional Medical Center, formerly Forest City Community Hospital, where she worked for 16 years.

In 1998, Holstad got a job in utility billing at the Lake Mills City Hall and later moved into the deputy city clerk position. During her time as the deputy, she got acquainted with the responsibilities of a city clerk and decided to apply when the position re-opened four years ago.

Some of Holstad’s many responsibilities include overseeing budgets and reports, managing administrative work and heading the city hall.

While working as the city clerk, Holstad has become more outgoing with the public, assertive in her tasks and confident in her abilities.

Upon retirement, Holstad claims what she will miss most are the opportunities she has to get out and work with the public. Holstad looks forward to having more flexibility in her schedule and spending more time with her family.

Current deputy city clerk Diane Price will be taking over Holstad’s position upon retirement. Holstad offers her replacement advice.

“One day at a time,” said Holstad. “Don’t look at it like ‘Oh, I have all this to do, and I’m not going to get this done.’ Just one day at a time.”