Ethics act as an ideal for public servants to strive for that promote position power to be used for public good rather than personal gain.  While not using the exact word “ethics”, constitutions build necessities of ethics including the rule of law, separation of powers, requirements of public oaths, and demand public officials serve the people rather than their own interests.  

Just as the residents of the State, public servants are subject to the ‘rule of law’.  In addition, positions are subject to ethics imposed Federally and by the State of Wisconsin.  Chapter 19 of Wisconsin legislation includes events of elected, employed and appointed members of government taking an Oath of Office.

Violation of ethics serves as misconduct granting citizens the right to impose accountability by submitting a complaint, challenging reelections or taking legal avenues.  Lawsuits can be filed over government ethics violations, though they often require showing the violation also breached a law, constitutional right, or specific statute.

Unincorporated
Unincorporated towns are technically governed by the county and operate under state ethics statutes.  Those with an enacted ethics code may have an ethics board that addresses ethics issues.  Perhaps question staff at the Corporation Council or with the Board of Supervisors to learn how such issues are handles in that area.

Ethics in Local Government/Municipalities
Ethics violations committed by members of local governments are dealt with by the local municipality such as a city board, city council and mayor.

County Ethics
The County Board generally does not handle ethics complaints. Instead, Wisconsin counties typically investigate these issues through an independent Ethics Board or Conduct Inquiry Board, or they defer jurisdiction to state entities.

For most Wisconsin counties, alleged violations of the State’s Code of Ethics for Local Public Officials (Wis. Stat. § 19.59 (8)) must be filed directly with the District Attorney in the county where the violation occurred.

State Ethics
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission enforces ethics laws for State officials, candidates, and lobbyists.

Federal & State Laws Focused on Ethics:
Wisconsin Administrative Code – Ethics Commission (ETH) 1 – 26
Wisconsin Constitution Article IV, Section 28 State Level Oath
Wis Stat § 19.45 Standards of conduct; state public officials
eCFR Code of Federal Regulations
5 CFR § 2635.101 – Basic Obligation of Public Service.
5 USC Ch. 131: Ethics in Government
Exec Order 12674  –  Principles of Ethical Conduct for Government Officers and Employees
Exec Order 12674 Principles of Ethical Conduct for Government Officers and Employees
House Committee on Ethics   –  U.S. Gov
U.S Department of Interior  –  Government Wide Ethics Laws

Offices in Wisconsin that Handle Ethics Violations:
Wisconsin Office of Government Ethics (OGE)
Wisconsin Inspectors General