Wausau Ethics Board adopts hearing rules, finalizes witness order ahead of Oct. 10 complaint hearing

The Wausau Ethics Board on Oct. 3 adopted temporary hearing procedures and approved an order of witnesses for an Oct. 10 hearing on a pending ethics complaint against Mayor Doug Denny.

The board also confirmed depositions for the city clerk and city attorney for Oct. 6, discussed subpoenas already issued to other witnesses, and agreed to hold deliberations in closed session after the hearing with a written decision to follow within seven days.

Board chair (name not specified) said the board was ready to proceed and discouraged further delay, saying, “I think it's time to get this thing dealt with.” Attorney Eric Larson, counsel to the board, confirmed respondents’ counsel had scheduled depositions: “I've been copied on their email exchange and, yes, that's my understanding.” Larson later said, "As a practical matter, the answer is no," when asked whether deposition transcripts would be available to the board before the hearing.

Why it matters: The procedural decisions set the framework for testimony and evidence in a high-profile complaint against the mayor, including who will be called first, how witnesses will be sworn, and how objections will be handled. A protective-order filing by respondents’ counsel could delay the hearing; the board emphasized it prefers to proceed on Oct. 10 unless a formal order requires postponement.

Board action and…