Hammond board authorizes village attorney to defend president in pending litigation

The Village of Hammond Board of Trustees directed the village attorney to continue representing the village in a Writ of Certiorari action filed in St. Croix County Circuit Court (Case No. 26 CV 329) and to defend Village President Tony Bibeau against any quo warranto proceeding that might be brought, provided the president gives informed consent.

Trustee Kim Olson made the motion to continue representation and Trustee Shayne Birkeland seconded; the motion carried with President Tony Bibeau abstaining. The board moved into closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to consult with counsel about litigation "in which it is or is likely to become involved," specifically a dispute between the Village and the Board of Appeals and an allegation that Bibeau's offices are incompatible raised in a letter dated July 21, 2026, from Attorney Adam Jarchow. During the closed session President Bibeau excused himself while trustees discussed whether to provide legal support for him.

Trustee Laurie Gruber moved the second, subsequent directive that the Village Attorney respond to Jarchow’s July 21, 2026 letter to the Wisconsin Attorney General and the St. Croix County district attorney and to defend against any quo warranto proceeding, provided President Bibeau gives informed consent. The board also directed the Village Clerk to confirm that attorney Robert L. Loberg, Loberg Law Office, LLP, has given informed consent to represent the Village while also representing President Bibeau in such proceedings. Trustee Gruber told the board that Bibeau "was elected by the people and they want him to remain President" and argued that prior village attorneys had not identified such a conflict.