Department of Human Resources

This board meeting addressed several key areas of concern regarding the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Ethics Office. Discussions included the process for appointing inspectors general across various jurisdictions, the ethical ecosystem of Atlanta, a review of the history of City of Atlanta ethics legislation, and the strides made by the administration in ethical compliance. Significant attention was given to areas of concern raised by the OIG, including issues related to investigation procedures, access to information, employee rights, and the OIG's reporting relationships. The establishment of a temporary taskforce to enhance the city's ethical framework was also proposed, outlining its key responsibilities and timeline.

This work session focused on proposed revisions to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) charter. Key discussion points included enhancing the Governing Board's role by adding oversight and notification of irregularities in procurement reviews and investigative reports. Proposed changes also aimed to improve access to city records, streamline complaint facilitation, refine final decision and reporting processes, strengthen whistleblower protection, and clarify the OIG's jurisdiction. The session also addressed the importance of reporting and cooperation with the OIG, and the need for adequate enforcement powers to effectively investigate corruption.

The Task Force meeting focused on establishing rules for public comment, reviewing background information provided to members, and discussing the purpose of the Task Force. The process for achieving the Task Force's purpose was outlined, including the scheduling of future meetings. Discussions included clarifying the scope of the Task Force's work, addressing inquiries regarding oversight of the Office of Inspector General, operational access, and employee rights. A suggestion was made to form an ad hoc group to develop a roadmap for the Task Force's work, including a timeline and plan. Public comment was received from five speakers.

The presentation by Mr. Tracey Thornhill, Executive Director of AFSCME Local 1644, focused on concerns regarding the Inspector General's processes, particularly as they affect city employees. Key concerns included unannounced visits to employees' homes, confiscation of personal property, demands for personal information, and the Inspector General's uninvited presence at a City Council meeting. The presentation proposed establishing clear and published rules regarding the Inspector General's authority, ensuring employee access to union representation, limiting investigations to major waste and fraud, preventing the Inspector General from usurping the roles of other city officials, requiring City Council approval of Inspector General policies with public input, and defining a process for filing complaints against the Inspector General. The overall goal was to create a clearer, fairer process that protects city employees and maintains the integrity of the process.

The key discussion topics focused on areas of concern raised regarding the Office of the Inspector General and Ethics Office processes. Concerns included the lack of review of authorization for investigations, confidentiality issues, reducing opportunities for coordination between parties and retaliation, and the potential for negative consequences when no findings are present. Additional concerns involved violation of personal space during investigations, special access requirements/device seizures, lack of clarity about reporting relationships, and the insertion of additional layers of oversight. The response highlighted that the offices utilize best practices as defined by The Association of Inspectors General and that inserting additional layers of oversight hinders the ability of the offices to remain independent and for investigations to remain confidential. A specific complaint from August 14, 2024, was discussed, along with the need for additional education regarding the offices' roles and processes for all City employees and departments.