The city of Clintonville has spent more than $17,000 on its investigation of former City Administrator Lisa Kotter, who resigned earlier this month after 17 years in the position.
Kotter’s departure, according to a joint news release issued by Kotter and the city, was not based on any misconduct but rather on “philosophical and stylistic differences.”
In addition to the legal fees, the city also has to pay Kotter’s salary through May 15, 2015. In return, Kotter agreed not to file any complaints against the city.
Mayor Judith Magee released the attorney costs in response to a question from resident Brad Rokus during a citizens forum at a recent Common Council meeting.
The city’s legal fees for the investigation and subsequent negotiations with Kotter, through the end of August totaled $17,432.56.
Attorney Warren Kraft of the Murphy Desmond Law submitted an invoice for $5,937 on July 2. He was hired to investigate the undisclosed allegations raised by Common Council members about Kotter in May.
Attorneys Robert Burns and James Macy of the Davis/Kuelthau law firm had billed the city $11,495, through the end of August, for their work following Kraft’s initial investigation.
The council initially voted not to exceed $10,000 for the investigation, which was paid for from the city’s contingency fund.
“I agree it is a lot of money, but in previous years we have also exceeded our legal fees that we have set aside for outside counsel,” council President Jeannie Schley said. “It happens. It just hasn’t been as public.”
After initially suspending Kotter on May 13, the council voted 6-4 on May 27 to extend her suspension and refer allegations of misconduct to the city’s labor attorney. Magee vetoed that vote on June 2, and Kotter returned to work.
On June 10, the council, with a 6-4 vote, failed to override Magee’s veto, falling one vote short of the required supermajority. Many city residents spoke in support of Kotter and Magee at the June meeting, which had to be moved from City Hall to the Community Center because of the overflow crowd.
The council then voted 7-3 in July to indefinitely place Kotter on administrative leave while continuing its investigation.
The council earlier this month met in closed session for two hours with Burns. After the session, Magee announced that the council was making progress and an anticipated resolution was expected in the near future.
The council never discussed its concerns about Kotter in open session, and Kotter maintained throughout that she did nothing wrong.
Kotter resigned, effective Sept. 10.
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