DRUG CASE COSTING CITY A BUNDLE

Price Of Case Against Firefighters Is Nearing Half-Million Dollars

The cost of drug discipline cases against seven Madison firefighters is
approaching a half-million dollars, a new city comptroller's report says.

The sum includes budgeted money that could have been put to other uses and
new spending.

"Is this how I'd like to spend city money? Absolutely not," Mayor Sue
Bauman said Friday. "It's not positive for the city. It's not positive for
the department. It's not pulling people together. It's setting up real
animosity.

"But what are my options," Bauman continued. "Tell me. I'm all ears."

Fire Chief Debra Amesqua, who has sole authority under state law to seek
discipline against firefighters, said the cases must be pursued to maintain
public confidence and safety.

"I find no surprises here," she said of the costs. "I think a situation of
this magnitude requires allocation of significant resources."

Firefighters union president Joe Conway Jr. could not be reached for comment.

Amesqua wants to fire five firefighters and suspend two others caught in a
wide-ranging police investigation of a cocaine conspiracy at the
now-defunct Jocko's Rocket Ship bar Downtown.

The cases, now before the Police and Fire Commission, might drag into June
or beyond.

A two-page report by comptroller Dean Brasser said costs include:

- - $196,000 in pay and benefits through March 3 to five firefighters on paid
leave. In most cases, payments will result in fewer firefighters available
rather than an increase in the department budget. The state requires that
suspended firefighters be paid.

- - $92,000 in overtime costs as a result of suspensions.

- - $80,000 in Fire Department personnel costs for work on the cases,
excluding Amesqua's costs. The funds are part of the department's budget,
not an extra expense.

- - $54,000 for outside legal costs for three private attorneys handling five
of the cases. The city attorney estimates these costs could exceed $100,000.

- - $13,000 in city attorney's office staff time. The office is handling two
cases. The funds are part of the office budget, not an extra expense.

- - $17,000 in Police and Fire Commission costs.

The union didn't respond to an offer to negotiate terms of termination,
Bauman said.