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Former Fire Chief Jesse Alba petitions to get his job back
Former Fire Chief Jesse Alba petitions to get his job back
WAUKESHA (WITI) -- After months of scandal and debate over former Waukesha Fire Chief Jesse Alba, the ordeal may not be over just yet. Documents to reinstate Alba as chief have been filed, starting the entire process over again.
Waukesha taxpayers would have to shell out $70,000 in order to oust Alba from his job. City leaders say they hope it doesn't come to that, and claim it has nothing to do with the potential cost.
Alba allegedly asked a woman in his department, whom he was having an affair with, to quit her job because he was distracted by his attraction to her. City leaders asked Alba to resign after finding out. When Alba refused to step down, officials began the process of trying to force him out.
"We paid that investigator $17,370. The investigator determined there was substantial evidence for a complaint," said City Administrator Ed Henschel. "In total, we have spent about $50,000 in the investigation and prosecution of this complaint against Mr. Alba."
The city also paid Alba almost $17,000 while he was on administrative leave.
"I think that's an easy justification to the taxpayer," said Henschel. "While we are unhappy with spending those kinds of dollars, it's important we hold our staff to high ethical standards."
The Waukesha Police and Fire Commission voted 3-1 on October 14th to demote Alba from Fire Chief to firefighter. Assistant Chief Steven Howard has been named the temporary replacement.
Last week, Alba announced his intention to appeal the decision. On Thursday, October 31st Alba's attorney, Victor Plantinga said he will file a motion with the circuit court asking them to reconsider the Commission's decision.
Plantinga alleges Waukesha City Attorney Curt Meitz advised the independent Police and Fire Commission and questioned witnesses on their behalf. If that's found to be true, Plantinga says it would be a conflict of interest against Wisconsin law.
"Attorney Meitz was there to guide and give legal council to the PFC so he has an obligation to be in those closed session meetings," said Henschel.
In a statement to FOX6, Plantinga stated:
"The investigator hired by the City ignored evidence that Mr. Alba provided. The investigator's objective was not to discover the truth, but rather to arrive at a conclusion that was desired by Mr. Henschel and Mayor Scrima."
Henschel says he hasn't seen the appeal petition yet, but maintains that the City did nothing wrong.
"This is standard practice for us in how we handle complaints before the PFC," said Henschel.
The Commission will meet in mid-November to discuss the plan to permanently fill the position of Fire Chief.
If Alba does appeal it would be through the Police and Fire Commission, who would be responsible for the costs.