La Crosse pays $80K to 2 workers placed on leave

City pays another $25,000 to have private firm take over one employee's duties

LA CROSSE, Wis. — 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 said another $25,000 has been spent to have a private firm take over one employee’s duties.

City human-resources director Wendy Oestreich said the city is still investigating and she can’t discuss personnel issues.

One of the employees is Liana Escott, the community development administrator. She said the city has never told her what policy she’s accused of violating.

The other is assistant city attorney Peter Kisken. His attorney also said the city has provided no information.

The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission said there’s no time limit to how long an employee can be kept on paid administrative leave.