Marshfield Aldermen to Hold Hearing Considering Complaint that Seeks Mayors Removal

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 -- 11:08 AM

(WDLB) Marshfield aldermen will hold a special hearing to formally consider a complaint that seeks the removal of Mayor Bob McManus from office.

According to WDLB, with President Tom Witzel abstaining, the Common Council voted nine-to-nothing last night in favor of authorizing Witzel to coordinate the scheduling of the hearing.

Another motion approved by the Council last night seemed to indicate the complaint was filed by Andy Keogh, a member of the city's Fire-and-Police Commission.  That motion was approved on a vote of 7-to-3.

The aldermen also authorized the Council President to work with City Administrator Steve Barg to secure special legal representation to advise the Common Council as it goes through the investigation and hearing process.

Witzel was also authorized to serve the Mayor with a notice of the formal complaint and the pending hearing, which will be open to the public.  McManus said last week the investigation dates back to last summer, when the Portage County Sheriff's Department looked into an alleged open-records violation having to do with text messages sent to and from the Mayor's city-issued cell phone.

There are reports alleging the Mayor may have deleted text messages that at the time were the target of an open-records request.  The city is now required to give the Mayor a minimum 10-day notice prior to conducting the hearing.

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