Marathon County has new Corporation Counsel

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – Marathon County has a new Corporation Counsel.

The Corporation Counsel provides legal advice, assistance, formal opinions and court representation to the County Board, county departments, elected officials and County commissions, boards and committees. 

Brian Desmond began his duties on Monday, Oct. 20. He introduced himself at Tuesday’s Marathon County board meeting.

“I can tell you that I’ve seen a lot in my days and I’m probably going to learn a heck of a lot more as we keep going on,” he said. “I hope to provide good service to this board, to your constituents, all the department heads.”

According to a press release, Desmond brings more than two decades of legal experience in county government.

He served as Corporation Counsel for Sauk County for four and a half years. Prior to that, he spent 17 years with the Oneida County Corporation Counsel’s Office, which included 15 years as Corporation Counsel.

Desmond also served as President of the Wisconsin Association of County Corporation Counsels for three years.

“I thank you for putting your trust in me,” he said. “You’ll be seeing me here for quite some time.”

The Office of Corporation Counsel also represents the county in civil matters, including involuntary mental health commitments, adult guardianship and protective placement cases, child welfare matters, child support enforcement, ordinance enforcement, and claims against the county or its departments.

The position was left open following the departure of Michael Puerner, who stepped down last month after more than four years as the county’s chief legal officer.

Tuesday’s board meeting also included the appointment of new District 5 supervisor Aaron Griner to the Library Board and a presentation from Republican state Rep. Brent Jacobson of Mosinee congratulating Marathon County Highway commissioner Jim Griesbach on his retirement.

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