Green Bay has settled a federal lawsuit concerning the installation of audio recording devices in City Hall, a case that has cost taxpayers over $1 million. The lawsuit, filed in September 2023, included multiple plaintiffs who argued the recording devices violated citizens’ privacy.

Former City Council member Tony Theisen received a $100,000 settlement from the city. State Sen. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, settled for $200,000, which was paid to the Wisconsin Senate. In addition to the financial settlements, the city agreed not to reinstall the listening devices, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette.

Jacque heralded the settlement as a victory for civil liberties, stating it ensured Mayor Eric Genrich would no longer “spy on his citizens.” The city’s legal team maintained that their actions were lawful and aimed at ensuring safety and security but settled to avoid further taxpayer expense.

Theisen’s lawsuit stemmed from a recorded conversation during a City Council meeting in September 2022. He expressed vindication from the settlement and emphasized the importance of protecting privacy rights.

The controversial audio recording devices were installed between winter 2021 and summer 2022 in response to several reports of verbal assaults in the City Hall building. The installation, however, became public knowledge in February 2023, leading to significant backlash.

The case, initially filed in Brown County Circuit Court, was moved to federal court in September 2023. Earlier this year, a federal judge dismissed the Wisconsin Senate as a plaintiff due to lack of standing.

Legal costs for the city and the state have exceeded $1 million, with the combined settlements and ongoing expenses reflecting a substantial financial burden on taxpayers. This settlement marks the end of a contentious chapter in Green Bay’s history, highlighting the ongoing debate over privacy and security in public spaces.