May 23, 2013
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — Two employees with the city of La Crosse have been paid nearly $80,000 since they were placed on administrative leave six months ago for unknown reasons.
A La Crosse Tribune report (http://bit.ly/YBZusO) says another $25,000 has been spent to have a private firm take over one employee's duties.
City human-resources director Wendy Oestreich says the city is still investigating, and she can't discuss personnel issues.
One of the employees is Liana Escott, the community development administrator. She says the city has never told her what policy she's accused of violating.
The other is assistant city attorney Peter Kisken. His attorney also says the city has provided no information.
The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission says there's no time limit to how long an employee can be kept on paid administrative leave.
