2014-519: Inspector General Office

[sheclown]

Bill Type and Number: Ordinance 2014-0519

Introducer/Sponsor(s): Council Members Lumb, Crescimbeni, Gulliford, Bishop, Schellenberg and Yarborough:

Date of Introduction: July 22, 2014

Committee(s) of Reference: R, F

Date of Analysis: July 23, 2014

Type of Action: Amend the Ordinance Code

Bill Summary: This bill amends Section 1.203 (Ethics Oversight and Compliance Office), Article 1 of the Charter to authorize and require an Inspector General's Office; and creates a new Part 3 (Inspector General), Chapter 602 (Jacksonville Ethics Code), Ordinance Code, to:
establish the functions of the Office of Inspector General;
provide the purpose;
outline duties and authority;
establish the position of Inspector General and create qualifications;
provide for the appointment and removal protocol for the Inspector General; and
create  records disclosure protocol

Background Information:  The Office of Inspector General shall be an independent office established to provide increased accountability, integrity, and oversight of the executive and legislative branches of the City of Jacksonville; and assist in promoting economies and efficiencies, improving agency operations, and identifying waste, fraud and abuse.

Policy Impact Area:  Ethics Commission Office, Ordinance Code

Fiscal Impact: Undetermined

Analyst: Mitchell

[sheclown]

I can't believe we don't have one already.

(thanks Noone)

[Dog Walker]

The Council likes the idea so much that they are probably going to try to extend the reach of the IG to the independent authorities like JTA and JEA.  I think that would require action by the State legislature.

[strider]

While this is certainly a great idea and needed, what scares me a little is WHOM it will be.  This is the Mayor and the City Council that put Kimberly Scott in charge of the department that was investigating her and her department after all.  For the most part, I do not get the impression ethics and transparency is considered very important to this administration.

[sheclown]

Office of Inspector General Launches New Web Page
December 15, 2014 
City of Jacksonville, Florida

The newly created Office of Inspector General launched a new Web page to inform citizens about the Office and promote efficiency and integrity in local government. 

"Having a truly independent Inspector General Office is essential to creating a government that citizens can trust," said Carla Miller, director of the city's Office of Ethics, Compliance and Oversight. "I urge all Jacksonville citizens to review the website to see the scope of this newly created office."

The new Web page includes information about the Office and online forms to allow residents, city contractors and city employees to report waste, fraud and abuse in government operations. Reports may be submitted to the Office online, by email, fax or by mail. Reports can be submitted anonymously.

"The Office of Inspector General has an essential role in protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring the accountability of city government," said Mayor Alvin Brown.  "I believe in efficient, effective and responsive government. It's important for our citizens to know that the City of Jacksonville has an independent office where they can report possible waste, fraud or abuse."

Legislation creating the Office of Inspector General (2014-0519) was enacted by City Council and signed by the mayor in October. The Office will provide independent oversight of government operations; detect and prevent fraud, waste, mismanagement, misconduct and other abuses by elected and appointed officials and employees, contractors, subcontractors, and other parties doing business with the city; promote efficiency in government operations; and conduct audits, investigations and contract oversight, and require production of documents.

The Office consists of three units that are responsible for investigating different issues. Those units are the Contract Oversight Unit, Investigations Unit and the Audit Unit.

See the new Web page at www.coj.net/OIG.

[Noone]

This is SUPER!
Let's start with the recent Super Duper Community First FIND subcommittee meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission and I'll raise you a surplus JEA house on the river and spot you two illegal Watertaxis. 2014-412.
Anybody else feel sorry for the Baltimore guys?
Still have an open contest if you can post a picture of the new Waterfront signage that was never before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. Ask Tera Meeks or Scott Wilson for clues. I'll treat the winner to lunch at Chopstick Charley's and we'll use uber or Lyft.
Spoke today at the JEA Board meeting. Building Community- Yeah Right!
Palms Fish Camp- Cha Ching! Break out the Bling.
Sheryl Steckler, Carla Miller let's plan a Social Good RICO paddle.