Agenda Item Name:
Title
Whistle-blower Ordinance-Public Hearing
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Presenter:
Sylvia Torres
Description:
This is a public hearing to consider an amendment to Chapter 23 of the County Code which establishes Article III, creating an administrative procedure to handle whistle-blower complaints.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve ordinance amending Chapter 23 of the County Code which establishes Article III, creating an administrative procedure to handle whistle-blower complaints and authorize the Chair to sign.
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Prior Board Motions:
February 20, 2020 - Board approved authorization to advertise ordinance.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
None.
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Background:
Sections 112.3187-112.31895, Florida Statutes, entitled the “Whistle-blower’s Act,” (the “Act”) provides for protections to persons who disclose information regarding illegal or malfeasant conduct on the part of government employees, agent or contractors. The Act provides for the establishment, by local ordinance, of an administrative procedure to permit disclosure of complaints and protect those persons making disclosure from retaliation. The Act also provides that when a local government adopts a local ordinance establishing such administrative procedures, that the local government will have an opportunity to address complaints locally instead of proceeding directly to court.
It is in the County’s best interest to have the first opportunity to review and address allegations of illegal or malfeasant conduct by its employees, agents and contractors prior to the delay and expense of court proceedings.
The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances to establish Article III creating an administrative procedure to handle whistle-blower complaints.