(A) The Council finds that good governance, transparency, and accountability are critical in the public sector for the effective and credible functioning of a healthy democracy, and in fulfilling the government's responsibility to citizens and taxpayers. To accomplish this end, the city finds the need for the services of an independent Inspector General. Effective independent investigations, inspections, evaluations, and reviews along with transparent and reliable reporting in government serves to promote accountability, enhance the effectiveness of government services to its citizens, and increase the public's confidence in their government.
(B) The Council finds that in order for the Inspector General to be effective, the Inspector General must be authorized to maintain the confidentiality of investigations resulting from an assignment by the Board of Ethics and Campaign Practices until they are published.
(C) The organization and administration of the Office shall be sufficiently independent to assure that no interference or influence external to the Office adversely affects the independence and objectivity of the Inspector General.
(D) The Inspector General's goals are to:
(1) Conduct investigations, inspections, evaluations, and reviews in an efficient, impartial, equitable, and objective manner;
(2) Prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse in city activities including all city contracts and partnerships;
(3) Carry out the activities of the Office of Inspector General through independence in both fact and appearance, investigation, and interdiction; and
(4) Propose recommendations to increase the city's legal, fiscal and ethical accountability to ensure that taxpayers' dollars are spent in a manner consistent with the highest standards of local governments.
(Ord. 30-2010; Am. Ord. 2023-018)