|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs for suspended police officer, disciplinary action could exceed $10,000
Hearing for Ellis set for Tuesday
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Andrew Kuehl
KEWASKUM- The Police and Fire Commission (PFC) met Monday, May 21 to learn the procedures that will be followed for the village’s first police officer disciplinary hearing after Chief of Police Richard Knoebel filed charges against police officer Troy Ellis earlier this month. That hearing is set to be held Tuesday, May 29 in open session.
Attorney Paul Alexy, of Arenz, Molter, Macy and Riffle was hired to represent the PFC. He presented hearing procedures he recommended the members follow.
Alexy informed the members that while the hearing will be held in open session, they are able to convene into closed session at any time to deliberate or ask questions. They would then announce a decision in open session.
He also told the members that the hearing could take longer than one evening, depending upon the number of witnesses called by either side. He further stated that even though the hearing is an open hearing, comments will not be allowed from those in the audience unless they are a witness.
The PFC tabled approving the recommendations so they could further review them. They are expected to approve them before the hearing on Tuesday. That hearing is expected to begin at 7 p.m. at the village hall.
Dollars and Cents
While members of the PFC are volunteers and are not reimbursed for any expenses or time, significant costs have been incurred village and it could cost as much as $10,000 when all is said and done. The Statesman reported in an earlier edition that Ellis, an 18-year member of the police force, continues to collect his salary while he is on administrative leave.
Village officials say that Ellis’s gross daily pay is estimated at $199.94. This is based on an eight-hour shift. He receives $24.99 hourly. This equates to $999.60 for a typical 40-hour workweek.
Ellis was officially put on paid leave on April 28. By the date of his hearing, he will have received an estimated $6,198.14. Even if his employment is terminated, village officials say that compensation will not have to be reimbursed by Ellis.
In addition to paying the suspended Ellis, the village must also pay the wage of another police officer to pick up Ellis’ normal shift. Depending on the officer, this could be more or less than what Ellis is currently being paid per hour.
The suspension has also resulted in the amount of time School Police Liaison Officer Barry Granrath is present at Kewaskum schools. Before the suspension Officer Granrath was on duty at Kewaskum High School during normal school hours, moving between Kewaskum Middle School and the elementary school depending on the buildings’ needs. A portion of this cost is picked up by the school district.
However Officer Granrath has now had his presence in the schools reduced to make-up for the absence of Ellis. The district will not be billed for the hours he is not in the school.
In addition to attorney Alexy, Chief Knoebel also has representation from the village’s labor attorney, Nancy Pirkey of Davis and Kuelthau who is on retainer for the village. Due to conflicts of interest, Alexy cannot represent Chief Knoebel. Cost estimates for legal counsel were not available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
