(A) Intent. The Whistleblower Policy (the Policy) is intended to enable employees, elected and appointed officials, residents, suppliers, customers, and others to raise concerns regarding alleged fraudulent acts or related misconduct, anonymously or otherwise, without retaliation or, in the case of an employee, adverse employment consequences. The Policy is based on the Whistleblower Act of the State of Illinois (ILCS Ch. 740, Act 174, §§ 1, et seq. (the Act)).
(B) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them herein, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended.
FRAUDULENT ACTS. Include any intentional act or omission designed to deceive others, resulting in the victim suffering a loss, and/or the perpetrator achieving a gain.
RETALIATION or any threat of retaliation against any official, employee, resident, supplier, customer or other person for disclosure of a fraudulent act or related misconduct or refusal to participate in unlawful activity is expressly prohibited by the Act.
(C) Reporting retaliation. Employees who believe that they have been retaliated against for reporting fraudulent acts or related misconduct should advise the City Attorney in writing. The City Attorney shall take appropriate action to investigate and address complaints of retaliation.
(D) Any individual reporting alleged fraudulent acts or related misconduct must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed provides evidence of an improper transaction or a violation of the law or administrative policies.
(E) Making allegations maliciously, recklessly, or with the foreknolwledge that the allegations were false, will be viewed as a serious offense and may result in penalties as provided by the city’s personnel policies or applicable Illinois law.
(F) A key factor in the detection of fraudulent acts or related misconduct is educating elected and appointed officials, employees, residents, suppliers, customers, and others to recognize fraudulent acts or related misconduct that may occur. For this reason, the city will, to the extent it considers practical, provide training and education concerning the whistleblower policy.
(G) An appointed official, employee, resident, supplier, customer or other person may report a possible fraudulent act or related misconduct, anonymously or otherwise, in any of the following ways:
(1) Download the Suspected Fraud form from the city’s website at oakbrookterrace.net and mail the completed form to the City Attorney at 17W275 Butterfield Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181; and
(2) Phone the anonymous Fraud Hotline at (630) 941-8300, extension 399.
(H) Except in cases of anonymous submission, the complainant will be informed of the outcome of the investigation by the Office of the City Attorney.
(Ord. 09-51, passed 4-13-10)