Rock County hired attorney to probe HR director
Photo 
John Becker
JANESVILLE — Rock County paid an attorney $1,893 to investigate the former head of its human resources department.
Human Resources Director John Becker resigned before the investigation was complete, however, and no documents from the investigation are available to the public, Corporation Counsel Jeff Kuglitsch said.
No records exist to indicate why an investigation was necessary, Kuglitsch said. County officials would say only that the investigation was in response to rumors.
Becker wrote a letter of resignation dated Sept. 25, and that was his last day at work. The Gazette through the Wisconsin Open Records Law obtained the letter and an e-mail that Becker sent Kuglitsch and Administrator Craig Knutson the morning he resigned.
The e-mail indicates the three had discussed the resignation previously.
“As we discussed, I am to communicate my decision before 5 p.m. today. Would it work in your schedule for me to come to your office at 4:30? At that time, I intend to tender my resignation…” the e-mail reads.
Forty-two days earlier—Aug. 12—the county had hired former Corporation Counsel Tom Schroeder to assist the administrator’s office “with regard to an investigation into the conduct and/or alleged misconduct of John Becker,” according to the contract with Schroeder.
The investigation was triggered after Kuglitsch and Knutson heard “rumors about Becker,” Kuglitsch said.
Knutson said he might have gotten one “first-person” account.
“About all I can say is it was verbally brought to my attention that there was some concerns regarding how Mr. Becker related to or interacted with certain county staff,” Knutson said. “They were just comments, rumors that should be checked out.”
Schroeder interviewed four or five people, Knutson said. At that point, Knutson and Kuglitsch informed Becker of the complaints gathered during the investigation.
Becker denied any wrongdoing and asked for a few days to consider his options, Knutson said.
When asked, Knutson said the investigation was ongoing and incomplete when Becker resigned. Knutson said Becker was not forced to decide whether to quit or be fired because the investigation was not complete.
The investigation did not indicate any criminal activity had taken place, Knutson said.
Schroeder submitted an invoice to the county for $1,893 for work done between Aug. 12 and Sept. 28. The Gazette obtained a copy of the invoice after repeated requests filed under the open records law.
Schroeder was paid $75 per hour.
Kuglitsch has written and stated that no written complaints exist regarding Becker. In addition, the investigation did not produce any reports or memos, Kuglitsch has said.
Schroeder might have taken notes during his interviews, but those are not public documents, according to state statute.
The county did not document in writing the rumors or allegations about Becker, Kuglitsch and Knutson said.
That’s not unusual, Knutson said. The county wants employees who have concerns to feel comfortable sharing them in whatever method they prefer, Knutson said.
“Even when those concerns are verbally expressed, we take them seriously and follow up appropriately,” he said.
Dec 3, 2009 at 9:05 p.m.
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This doesn't pass the smell test...starting right at the top with County Administrator Knutson or the Corp. Counsel.
Dec 3, 2009 at 8:30 p.m.
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Chelleandlou, I don't claim to have insider knowledge of the allegations but as a supervisor I have received training in HR policy. In the public sector and most of the private sector, if someone makes a good-faith written complaint about another employee it does not matter if the person you are complaining about is the HR Department Head. If the employer retaliates against the employee making a good-faith written complaint about federal or state prohibited discrimination or behavior the employer is going to get in trouble. However, if the complaint is simply that the person is difficult to work with (i.e. co-worker from hell), or a lousy manager, etc. then no such protection would exist.
Dec 3, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.
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To Gandalf: no axe to grind but definitely "insider" experience with both parties.This is not the 1st time that Mr. Schroeder has been called upon to "assist" Rock County administration in an "investigation". Although his fee is modest, he is well aware of who is footing the bill....interpret that however you want to. Tom is a great guy and I have enjoyed knowing him personally and professionally over the years. Describing Mr. Kuglitch as a victim, without witnessing his professional skills first-hand, is an interesting choice of words. Rumors abound in Rock County and they are selectively listened to....there are any number of people that would attest to that. Ask the couple who recently settled (out of court after the ruling went in their favor) about the discriminatory employment practices that abound in the County!!
Dec 3, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
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And what was the reasons for terminating employment?
Dec 3, 2009 at 12:21 p.m.
Dec 3, 2009 at 8:20 a.m.
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Mr Schroeder's rate wasn't inflated at all (smirking)! He's discovered a great cash cow in retirement. He chose not to continue representing the County (as the former Corp Counsel--Mr. Kuglitch's current job) and skipped merrily in to the retirement sunset with his golf clubs over his shoulder..... only to be "called" back to service when the representation they currently have (aka Jeff Kuglitch) proves inadequate/inept. Think the County Board should care? Absolutely! Do they? Absolutely not or the circus would have left town by now!!
Dec 3, 2009 at 7:24 a.m.
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navyguy,
Becker was head of HR do you really think the complaints would be done in writing? I suppose they could have, and those who complained would be out jobs instead of him.
How many hours was the county billed for? I'll bet the 'rate' is inflated somewhat.
Dec 3, 2009 at 6:46 a.m.
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Obama says this is all Bush's fault
Dec 2, 2009 at 9:25 p.m.
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We really should care Sarah.
Dec 2, 2009 at 8:27 p.m.
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I am kind of floored to learn that municipal government can pay $1,893.00 to an attorney to investigate a former county employee and there be no public record besides the lawyer's invoice. Also, no "written complaints" exist regarding Becker --- that seems highly unlikely as we are to believe that no Rock County employee involved with the 'complaints' documented it via E-mail at least? I will grant that communication between Mr. Schroeder and Rock County is probably protected by attorney-client privilege but 'Open Records' law would seem to allow for at least the release of the nature of the allegations.
Dec 2, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
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wow who is kuglitsch or whatever his name is trying to protect? he is not your boss anymore quit hiding the facts or reports. Sounds like this Becker character was obviously way out of line and was afraid of what was to come out in the investigation or he wouldnt have beat feet.....Gazette staff keep digging and dont let this one go. We deserve to know what this character was doing.
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