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HOLMEN, Wis. — An investigation has begun into complaints the Holmen Village Board violated the state’s open meetings law in handling the sale of part of land known as Star Hill to the local Lions Club.
The board voted in May to sell the hilltop site that has a large, illuminated star and cross to the Holmen Lions for $600.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation contends the board failed to take public input, in violation of the open meetings law, and has asked
La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke to investigate and decide if criminal charges are warranted.
Gruenke said Monday he received the group’s letter July 1 and started an investigation late last week.
“I can’t say a lot about it except to say I’m investigating it,” Gruenke said Monday. “I hope to have something on it this week, but it depends on how long it takes.”
Gruenke said such complaints, while not common, have surfaced before.
The Onalaska City Council in 2002 was convicted of violating the open meetings law for using improperly vague agendas that did not specify the issues to be discussed in closed sessions.
The city then was required to host a workshop for other municipalities on the open meetings law.
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