Wausau committee upholds denial recommendation for taxi driver renewal amid pending assault allegation

The City of Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee voted Monday to uphold staff recommendations to deny a public transport operator license renewal for Jerry Jones while a criminal charge involving an alleged third‑degree assault remains pending.

The committee chair told Jones and the room that “they will not issue the public transport operator license at this time.” Lieutenant Seiler, who reviewed Jones’s submitted rehabilitation materials, said the department views the matter as an unresolved allegation and preferred to wait until it is adjudicated before altering the chief’s recommendation: “it’s an allegation,” Seiler said.

Jones spoke to the committee in his defense, saying he has long served the community and has been active with the local taxi service he helped market and build. He told the panel that his family and community ties and the documentation he submitted show rehabilitation and character, and he asked the committee to consider that background when reviewing the licensing decision.

Committee members stressed that drivers often serve people who may be vulnerable and that unresolved serious charges give them pause about public‑safety risks. The committee’s vote to accept staff recommendations was made by a motion from Lukens, seconded by Larson, and the motion carried with members verbally indicating assent.

Procedure and next steps: staff will send a denial letter and the denial recommendation will advance to the Common Council at its January meeting for final action. Committee members noted Jones retains the right to speak before the Common Council and to reapply if the underlying court matter is resolved in his favor; Jones said he has a March court date.

The committee’s action was limited to the licensing recommendation on the record; no change to that recommendation was made pending the resolution of the criminal matter.