Pana — Ch. 11 Human Relations § 11-77
Adjudication
Operative Text
(a) All complaints of sexual harassment shall be adjudicated by the mayor, or the personnel committee in the event the mayor is unable to discharge this duty. (b) Upon receipt of the completed investigative report, the mayor shall conduct an administrative hearing at which the report shall be presented and considered. Hearings shall be conducted before a court reporter empowered to take testimony under oath. The court reporter shall require all witnesses to provide testimony under oath and shall prepare a verbatim transcription or recording of the proceedings which shall serve as the official record of the hearing. (c) The accused person shall be notified, in writing, at least ten (10) days before the hearing of the complaint and the underlying allegations. The accused person may request one (1) postponement of the hearing upon receipt of the notice in order to obtain legal counsel, however, the delay occasioned by such request shall not exceed thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the notice by the accused person. (d) The accused person shall be entitled to attend the hearing and testify in his or her own behalf, and shall be entitled to confront and cross-examine the person who filed the complaint. In the event that the complainant elects not to attend the administrative hearing and upon objection from the accused to the complainant's absence, the complaint may be dismissed and the accused deemed innocent of the allegations. (e) The accused person shall be entitled to call witnesses in his or her own behalf and to introduce evidence which bears upon the issues presented by the complaint and investigative report. (f) At the conclusion of the hearing, or within five (5) days thereafter, the mayor shall make findings concerning the innocence or guilt to the accused of the offense of sexual harassment. (g) A finding of guilt must be supported by substantial, credible evidence that; (1) The facts alleged by the complainant occurred are true; and (2) Those facts constitute sexual harassment within the meaning of his policy; and (3) The accused is the person who committed the acts amounting to sexual harassment.
Pana Ch. 11 Human Relations § 11-77 establishes the adjudication process for sexual harassment complaints within the municipality. The mayor — or the personnel committee if the mayor is unavailable — conducts a formal administrative hearing at which an investigative report is presented, testimony is taken under oath before a court reporter, and a verbatim record is created. A finding of guilt requires substantial, credible evidence that the alleged acts occurred, constitute sexual harassment under the policy, and were committed by the accused.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although § 11-77 is primarily directed at municipal employment settings, property owners and managers operating within Pana who are subject to this human relations chapter should understand that any sexual harassment complaint against them or their staff may proceed to a formal administrative hearing before the mayor. Compliant operators generally maintain clear anti-harassment policies, cooperate with investigative processes, and ensure that any accused employee is informed of their rights — including the ten-day advance written notice and the right to request a postponement to obtain legal counsel. Familiarity with the hearing procedures outlined in § 11-77 helps operators respond appropriately if a complaint reaches the adjudication stage.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Pana Ch. 11 Human Relations § 11-77, individuals who file a sexual harassment complaint have the right to have that complaint adjudicated through a formal hearing process overseen by the mayor or personnel committee. Complainants should be aware that if they choose not to attend the administrative hearing and the accused objects to their absence, the complaint may be dismissed — making participation in the process an important consideration. Tenants or residents who believe they have experienced sexual harassment covered by this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid resource to understand how the § 11-77 hearing process applies to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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