62.09(9)(f)
(f) The treasurer may in writing, filed in the office of the clerk, appoint a deputy who shall act under the treasurer's direction and in the treasurer's absence or disability, or in case of a vacancy shall perform the treasurer's duties. The deputy shall receive such compensation as the council shall provide. The acts of such deputy shall be covered by official bond as the council shall direct.
62.09(10)(a)(a) The comptroller shall monthly report in writing to the council at its first meeting the condition of outstanding contracts and of each of the city funds and claims payable therefrom, and shall each year on or before October first file with the clerk a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements on account of each fund of the city and of each aldermanic district or other financial district during the preceding fiscal year, specifying the source of each receipt and the object of each disbursement, and also an estimate of the receipts and disbursements for the current fiscal year.
62.09(10)(b)
(b) The comptroller shall each month and as often as reported examine the treasurer's accounts as reported and as kept, and attach thereto a report to the council as to their correctness and as to any violation by the treasurer of the treasurer's duty in the manner of keeping accounts or disbursing moneys.
62.09(10)(c)
(c) The comptroller shall examine each claim presented against the city, and determine whether it is in proper form, and if it is on contract, whether authorized and correct. For these purposes the comptroller may swear witnesses and take testimony. If the comptroller finds no objection the comptroller shall mark his or her approval on the claim. If the comptroller disapproves in whole or in part, the comptroller shall report the reasons for that disapproval to the council. The comptroller shall in all cases report evidence taken. No claim shall be considered by the council or be referred to a committee until it has been so examined and reported on.
62.09(10)(f)
(f) The comptroller shall countersign all contracts with the city if the necessary funds have been provided to pay the liability that may be incurred thereunder, and no contract shall be valid until so countersigned.
62.09(10)(g)
(g) The comptroller shall each year make a list of all certificates for the payment of which special taxes are to be levied, in time for the same to be inserted in the tax roll, and certify its correctness.
62.09(10)(h)
(h) The comptroller may in writing, filed in the office of the clerk, appoint a deputy who shall act under the comptroller's direction and in the comptroller's absence or disability, or in case of a vacancy shall perform the comptroller's duties. The deputy shall receive such compensation as the council provides. The acts of such deputy shall be covered by official bond as the council directs.
62.09(11)(a)(a) The clerk shall have the care and custody of the corporate seal and all papers and records of the city.
62.09(11)(b)
(b) The clerk shall attend the meetings of the council and keep a full record of its proceedings.
62.09(11)(c)
(c) The clerk shall enter at length, immediately after it goes into effect, every ordinance in an "ordinance book," with proof of publication, date of passage and page of journal where final vote is recorded. The clerk shall keep a record of all licenses and permits granted and record all bonds, in appropriate books.
62.09(11)(d)
(d) The clerk shall draw and sign all orders upon the treasury in the manner provided by
s. 66.0607, and keep a full account thereof in appropriate books. The clerk shall carefully preserve all receipts filed with the clerk.
62.09(11)(e)
(e) The clerk shall keep an accurate account with the treasurer and charge the treasurer with all tax lists presented for collection and with all moneys paid into the treasury.
62.09(11)(f)
(f) The clerk shall keep all papers and records in the clerk's office open to inspection at all reasonable hours.
62.09(11)(g)
(g) By March 15 the clerk shall publish as a class 1 notice, under
ch. 985, a statement showing the receipts and disbursements as to each fund during the preceding fiscal year. This shall not apply to cities operating under
s. 64.34.
62.09(11)(h)
(h) The clerk shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations under these statutes.
62.09(11)(i)
(i) The clerk may in writing filed in the clerk's office appoint a deputy, who shall act under the clerk's direction, and in the clerk's absence or disability or in case of a vacancy shall perform the clerk's duties, and shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations. The deputy shall receive such compensation as the council shall provide. The clerk and the clerk's sureties shall be liable on the clerk's official bond for the acts of such deputy.
62.09(11)(j)
(j) The clerk shall notify the treasurer of the county in which the city is located, by February 20, of the proportion of property tax revenue and of the credits under
s. 79.10 that is to be disbursed by the taxation district treasurer to each taxing jurisdiction located in the city.
62.09(12)(a)(a) The attorney shall conduct all the law business in which the city is interested.
62.09(12)(c)
(c) The attorney shall when requested by city officers give written legal opinions, which shall be filed with the clerk.
62.09(12)(d)
(d) The attorney shall draft ordinances, bonds and other instruments as may be required by city officers.
62.09(12)(e)
(e) The attorney shall examine the tax and assessment rolls and other tax proceedings, and advise the proper city officers in regard thereto.
62.09(12)(f)
(f) The attorney may appoint an assistant, who shall have power to perform the attorney's duties and for whose acts the attorney shall be responsible to the city. Such assistant shall receive no compensation from the city, unless previously provided by ordinance.
62.09(12)(g)
(g) The council may employ and compensate special counsel to assist in or take charge of any matter in which the city is interested.
62.09(13)(a)(a) The chief of police shall have command of the police force of the city under the direction of the mayor. The chief shall obey all lawful written orders of the mayor or common council. The chief and each police officer shall possess the powers, enjoy the privileges and be subject to the liabilities conferred and imposed by law upon constables, and be taken as included in all writs and papers addressed to constables; shall arrest with or without process and with reasonable diligence take before the municipal judge or other proper court every person found in the city engaged in any disturbance of the peace or violating any law of the state or ordinance of the city and may command all persons present in that case to assist, and if any person, being so commanded, refuses or neglects to render assistance the person shall forfeit not exceeding $10. They shall collect the same fees prescribed for sheriffs in
s. 814.70 for similar services, unless a higher fee is applicable under
s. 814.705 (1) (b).
62.09(13)(b)
(b) The chief of police shall have charge of all city jails, including that portion of any jail which is used by the city in a joint city-county building.
62.09(13)(c)
(c) Every officer in charge of a jail shall keep a record concerning each person placed in the jail, including the person's name, residence and description, the time and cause of the person's confinement, and the authority under which the person was confined; and when any person is released, the time of and the authority for such release.
62.09(13)(d)
(d) The personnel required to comply with
ss. 302.41 and
302.42 shall be provided at the expense of the municipality.
62.09(15)
(15) Constables. A constable shall keep his or her office in the city. No constable who keeps his or her office outside the limits of the city may receive fees for any service performed during the period the outside office is maintained.
62.09 History
History: 1971 c. 154,
175;
1971 c. 304 s.
29 (1);
1973 c. 90,
243;
1975 c. 21,
39,
41,
199,
258;
1975 c. 375 s.
44;
1975 c. 421;
1977 c. 29,
151;
1977 c. 305 s.
64;
1979 c. 34,
221,
251;
1981 c. 20,
317;
1983 a. 189 s.
329 (21);
1983 a. 210,
395;
1983 a. 532 ss.
10,
14;
1985 a. 29,
39;
1985 a. 135 s.
83 (5);
1985 a. 225;
1987 a. 27,
181,
378;
1989 a. 31,
56,
113;
1991 a. 39,
316;
1993 a. 27,
184,
490;
1995 a. 225;
1997 a. 27,
257;
1999 a. 32;
1999 a. 150 s.
299,
672.
62.09 Annotation
Cross-references: City attorney may not be employed by common carrier or public utility; see s. 196.675.
62.09 Annotation
For an alternative system of approving claims under (10), see s. 66.044.
62.09 Annotation
A mayor may not veto council action or inaction on public works contracts. Sturzl Const. Co., Inc. v. City of Green Bay,
88 Wis. 2d 403,
276 N.W.2d 771 (1979).
62.09 Annotation
Suppression of evidence is not required when a law enforcement officer obtains evidence outside his or her jurisdiction. Any jurisdictional transgression violates the appropriate jurisdiction's authority not the defendant's rights. State v. Mieritz,
193 Wis. 2d 571,
534 N.W.2d 632 (Ct. App. 1995).
62.09 Annotation
Conflicts arising from the election of a school principal to the office of alderperson are discussed. 60 Atty. Gen. 367.
62.09 Annotation
Alderperson and police officer spouses can continue to hold offices as long as the alderperson does not violate s. 946.13 (1) with respect to the police officer's contract. 63 Atty. Gen. 43.
62.09 Annotation
A mayor in a city with a police and fire commission does not have the authority to order a police chief to reinstate a discharged probationary police officer.
81 Atty. Gen. 1.
62.09 Annotation
When no provision exists fixing the term of appointive officers such as a city treasurer, the term is limited to that of the appointing authority; removal by a successor does not implicate a due process property interest. Wolf v. City of Fitchburg,
870 F.2d 1327 (1989).
62.09 Annotation
Police accountability in Wisconsin. 1974 WLR 1131.
62.11
62.11
Common council. 62.11(1)(1)
How constituted. The mayor and alderpersons shall be the common council. The mayor shall not be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at a meeting, but may vote in case of a tie. When the mayor does vote in case of a tie the mayor's vote shall be counted in determining whether a sufficient number of the council has voted favorably or unfavorably on any measure.
62.11(2)
(2) Time of meeting. The council shall meet at least once a month, and on the first Tuesday unless a different day be fixed by the council. More frequent regular meetings may be established by the council, and the mayor may call a special meeting by written notice delivered personally to each member or left at the member's usual abode at least 6 hours before the meeting. Following a regular city election the new council shall first meet on the 3rd Tuesday of April.
62.11(3)(a)(a) The council shall be the judge of the election and qualification of its members, may compel their attendance, and may fine or expel for neglect of duty.
62.11(3)(b)
(b) Two-thirds of the members shall be a quorum, except that in cities having not more than 5 alderpersons a majority shall be a quorum. A less number may compel the attendance of absent members and adjourn. A majority of all the members shall be necessary to a confirmation. In case of a tie the mayor shall have a casting vote as in other cases.
62.11(3)(c)
(c) Meetings shall be open to the public; and the council may punish by fine members or other persons present for disorderly behavior.
62.11(3)(d)
(d) The ayes and noes may be required by any member. On confirmation and on the adoption of any measure assessing or levying taxes, appropriating or disbursing money, or creating any liability or charge against the city or any fund thereof, the vote shall be by ayes and noes. All aye and nay votes shall be recorded in the journal.
62.11(3)(e)
(e) The council shall in all other respects determine the rules of its procedure.
62.11(3)(f)
(f) The style of all ordinances shall be: "The common council of the city of .... do ordain as follows".
62.11(4)(a)(a) Proceedings of the council shall be published in the newspaper designated under
s. 985.06 as a class 1 notice, under
ch. 985. The proceedings for the purpose of publication shall include the substance of every official action taken by the governing body. Except as provided in this subsection all ordinances shall be published as a class 1 notice, under
ch. 985, within 15 days of passage, and shall take effect on the day after its publication or at a later date if expressly prescribed.
62.11(4)(b)
(b) All ordinances passed by the governing body of any city of the second class between January 1, 1914, and January 1, 1924, which were or may have been required to be published before becoming effective, but which were not published, shall be valid to the same extent as if they had been published in the first instance, as required by law, providing said ordinances and all amendments thereto are printed in the official journal of any such body together with the record of the passage of the same; however, the provisions of this paragraph shall not be effective in any city unless the governing body thereof shall so elect by a vote of two-thirds of its members.
62.11(5)
(5) Powers. Except as elsewhere in the statutes specifically provided, the council shall have the management and control of the city property, finances, highways, navigable waters, and the public service, and shall have power to act for the government and good order of the city, for its commercial benefit, and for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and may carry out its powers by license, regulation, suppression, borrowing of money, tax levy, appropriation, fine, imprisonment, confiscation, and other necessary or convenient means. The powers hereby conferred shall be in addition to all other grants, and shall be limited only by express language.
62.11 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See s.
118.105 for control of traffic on school premises.
62.11 Annotation
When a municipality's power to contract is improperly or irregularly exercised and the municipality receives benefit under the contract, it is estopped from asserting the invalidity of the contract. Village of McFarland v. Town of Dunn,
82 Wis. 2d 469,
263 N.W.2d 167.
62.11 Annotation
Madison's power to forbid chemical treatment of Madison lakes was withdrawn by s. 144.025 (2) (i) [now 281.17 (2)]. Wis. Environmental Decade, Inc. v. DNR,
85 Wis. 2d 518,
271 N.W.2d 69 (1978).
62.11 Annotation
When a city council creates a governing board for a utility under s. 66.068 (1), the council is prohibited by s. 66.068 (3) from fixing wages for utility employees. Schroeder v. City of Clintonville,
90 Wis. 2d 457,
280 N.W.2d 166 (1979).
62.11 Annotation
Sub. (5) authorizes an ordinance regulating massage parlors. City of Madison v. Schultz,
98 Wis. 2d 188,
295 N.W.2d 798 (Ct. App. 1980).
62.11 Annotation
The common council and mayor properly limited the power of the police and fire commission to promote police officers. State ex rel. Wilson v. Schocker,
142 Wis. 2d 179,
418 N.W.2d 8 (Ct. App. 1987).
62.11 Annotation
Liberally construing home rule authority, a city is not authorized to institute a public safety officer program. Local Union No. 487 v. Eau Claire,
147 Wis. 2d 519,
433 N.W.2d 578 (1989).
62.11 Annotation
The power granted under sub. (5) is broader than that granted under Art. XI, s. 3. Sub. (5) does not limit a city's authority to act only in local affairs. A city may act in matters of state-wide concern if the conditions of the 4-part test stated in this case are met. DeRosso Landfill Co. v. City of Oak Creek,
191 Wis. 2d 46,
528 N.W.2d 468 (Ct. App. 1995).
62.11 Annotation
The state regulatory scheme for tobacco sales preempts municipalities from adopting regulations that are not in strict conformity with those of the state. U.S. Oil, Inc. v. City of Fond du Lac,
199 Wis. 2d 333,
544 N.W.2d 589 (Ct. App. 1995).
62.11 Annotation
A city probably can contract with a county to provide fire protection to a county institution located outside of boundaries of the city. 62 Atty. Gen. 84.
62.11 Annotation
State statutory enabling legislation is required to authorize enactment of typical rent control ordinances. 62 Atty. Gen. 276.
62.11 Annotation
A municipality has no jurisdiction over chemical treatment of waters to suppress aquatic nuisances. The department is granted statewide supervision over aquatic nuisance control under s. 144.025 (2) (i) [now 281.17 (2)]. Applications for permits to chemically treat aquatic nuisances under s. 144.025 (2) (i) may be denied even though statutory and regulatory requirements have been met if the chemical treatment would be counter-productive in achieving the goals set out in s. 144.025 (1) [now 281.11]. 63 Atty. Gen. 260.
62.11 Annotation
Local units of government may not create and accumulate unappropriated surplus funds.
76 Atty. Gen. 77.
62.11 Annotation
Conflicts between state statute and local ordinance in Wisconsin. 1975 WLR 840.
62.115
62.115
Defense of officers by city attorney. 62.115(1)
(1) The common council of any city, however incorporated, may by ordinance or resolution authorize the city attorney to defend actions brought against any officer or employee of such city or of any board or commission thereof, growing out of any acts done in the course of employment, or out of any alleged breach of duty as such officer or employee, excepting actions brought to determine the right of such officer or employee to hold or retain that person's office or position, and excepting also actions brought by such city against any officer or employee thereof.
62.115(2)
(2) Nothing in this section contained, nor any action taken by any city or by any city attorney pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall be construed to impose any liability, either for costs, damages or otherwise, upon such city or city attorney.
62.115 History
History: 1991 a. 316.
62.12(1)(1)
Fiscal year. The calendar year shall be the fiscal year.
62.12(2)
(2) Budget. Annually on or before October 1, each officer or department shall file with the city clerk an itemized statement of disbursements made to carry out the powers and duties of the officer or department during the preceding fiscal year, a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements on account of any special fund under the supervision of the officer or department during the year and of the condition and management of the fund and detailed estimates of the same matters for the current fiscal year and for the ensuing fiscal year.
62.12(3)
(3) Accounting. The city treasurer shall keep separate all special funds, and the city clerk shall keep a separate account with the general fund for each officer or department through which disbursements are made from the general fund to carry out the powers and duties of such officer or department. The council shall examine and adjust the accounts of the clerk, treasurer and all other officers or agents of the city after the same shall have been audited by the comptroller.
62.12(5)
(5) License moneys. Moneys received for licenses may be used for such purpose as the council shall direct in the absence of specific appropriation by law.
62.12(6)
(6) Funds; appropriations; debts. 62.12(6)(a)(a) Unless otherwise provided by law city funds shall be paid out only by authority of the council. Such payment shall be made in the manner provided by
s. 66.0607.
62.12(6)(b)
(b) The council shall not appropriate nor the treasurer pay out:
62.12(6)(b)1.
1. Funds appropriated by law to a special purpose except for that purpose;
62.12(6)(b)2.
2. Funds for any purpose not authorized by the statutes; nor
62.12(6)(b)3.
3. Funds from any fund in excess of the moneys therein.
62.12(6)(c)
(c) No debt shall be contracted against the city nor evidence thereof given unless authorized by a majority vote of all the members of the council.
62.12(7)
(7) City depositories. The council shall designate the public depository or depositories within this state with which city funds shall be deposited, and when the money is deposited in such depository in the name of the city, the treasurer and bondsmen shall not be liable for such losses as are defined by
s. 34.01 (2). The interest arising therefrom shall be paid into the city treasury.
