Council adopts ordinance prescribing removal‑hearing procedures for alderpersons

The Madison Common Council on March 11 adopted a new ordinance (creating section 2.37 of the Madison General Ordinances) that prescribes procedures for filing complaints and conducting hearings related to possible removal of an alderperson.

The ordinance adds detail to the statutory authority allowing the council to hold a hearing and vote on removal. It specifies where complaints should be filed (to the council president, mayor and council office), timelines for notifications, the use of an impartial hearing examiner, requirements for a transcript, and the order of proceedings. The city attorney advised that the ordinance furnishes greater procedural detail than the state statute while preserving due‑process protections; the city attorney also noted costs for an examiner, stenographer and legal support would be similar to statutory hearings and could be charged to the city unless the council determines otherwise.

Councilmembers debated process issues, including whether complaints should be limited to conduct occurring after the subject alder’s most recent reelection and whether the city attorney should be involved earlier in the process. An attempted amendment that would have prohibited retroactive complaints (limiting review to conduct after most recent reelection) was put before the body and failed (count recorded as 1 I, 13 No, 3 abstain). Other questions about cost allocation and tie votes were discussed; staff said cost treatment would be determined through routine budget/contingency processes and that removal votes require the council’s statutory thresholds.

After discussion the council adopted the ordinance. Council members and staff said the measure provides a transparent, codified process that can be revisited in the future if needed.