(A) The Auditing Official shall establish written processes and procedures consistent with the terms of this policy and best practices for conducting investigations and managing complaints filed under 50 ILCS 105/4.1. Each Auditing Official shall investigate and dispose of reports of improper governmental action in accordance with these processes and procedures, and all other provisions of 50 ILCS 105/4.1.
(B) Within five business days following the submission of a report concerning a violation or suspected violation, the Auditing Official shall contact the reporting individual to acknowledge receipt of the report. All reports shall be promptly investigated, with appropriate and timely corrective action taken, if warranted, based on the results of the investigation.
(C) Within five business days following receipt of a whistleblower report, the Auditing Official shall notify the President and Village Board of the report. Within five days of concluding the investigation, the Auditing Official shall report his or her findings and recommended corrective action to the President in instances where the employee is subject to discipline and termination by the President, and to the Village Board in all other instances.
(D) If the report includes allegations against the Auditing Official, the Auditing Official shall not participate in the consideration of the report, the investigation or the determination of what, if any, actions should be taken in regard to the report. If the report includes allegations against the Auditing Official, the village will ask the Shelby County State's Attorney to evaluate the report, conduct any investigation, and make corrective action recommendations.
(E) Auditing Officials may reinstate, reimburse for lost wages or expenses incurred, promote or provide some other form of restitution to those subject to retaliation.
(F) In instances where an Auditing Official determines restitution will not suffice, the Auditing Official may make their investigation findings available to the employee (and his or her agent) subjected to retaliation for pursuing other legal remedies.
(G) Auditing Officials are responsible for reading, familiarizing themselves with, and complying with all requirements of 50 ILCS 105/4.1.
(H) The Auditing Official must provide each employee a written summary or a complete copy of 50 ILCS 105/4.1 upon the employee's commencement of employment and at least once each year of employment. At the same time, the employee shall also receive a copy of the written processes and procedures for reporting improper governmental actions from the applicable Auditing Official.
(I) Pursuant with all laws, regulations and ordinances, the Auditing Official must keep a record of the report, investigation, notes, conclusions, and other relevant records.
(Ord. 2021-16, passed 9-14-2021)