Wichita’s Ethics Board had its first meeting Thursday to begin looking into a complaint made against Mayor Lily Wu.

The complaint was filed October 23rd by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 135.   The union is alleging that Mayor Wu met with Fire Chief Tammy Snow and gave her instructions to reduce the fire department by 42 employees by the end of 2025.  A city ordinance prohibits City Council members from giving instructions to department heads or city employees, and such actions can only be taken by the full Council through the City Manager.

Mayor Wu has denied the allegation and said she will cooperate with the investigation.

The Ethics Board met to hear details of the investigation and interviews that were conducted, and most of the meeting was held behind closed doors.  The Board will meet again on December 3rd to begin work on its findings and recommendations.