JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council is set to consider a new bill that would require all city employees to report instances of abuse, contract mismanagement, fraud, and similar issues to the city’s Office of the Inspector General.
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Currently, only public and elected officials, such as the mayor, city council, and others, are required to report certain matters to the OIG.
Councilman Chris Miller, who has many years of experience as an Inspector General with the Florida National Guard, introduced the bill earlier this week, saying he was surprised this wasn’t already a normal practice.
He added that the bill is all about making people feel more comfortable reporting things like contract mismanagement and fraud directly to the OlG.
“The matters specifically in the bill are about contract mismanagement and anything with over $5,000 of loss or misuse in the contracting environment,” Miller explained.
The Office of the Inspector General plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust in government operations.
According to its website, the Jacksonville OIG is independent and was established in 2014 to provide increased accountability, integrity, and oversight.
Miller said maximizing the number of people reporting is a win for everyone.
“Only requiring the elected officials to do this just leaves out a lot of the people who are doing all the work and know what’s really going on,” Miller stated. “I equate this to JSO. They rely on people giving them tips about things that aren’t right, of crimes, other things that they need to look into.”
To address potential concerns about retaliation, Miller emphasized that whistleblower protection is already enshrined in city code.
“Don’t feel afraid or feel like, ‘I can’t do this because it might impact my job, my employment,‘” Miller said.
The Inspector General’s website provides a platform for anyone, including private citizens, to report issues. Reports can even be made anonymously.
The proposed changes would not apply to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, an entity that already has an Internal Affairs Department that investigates similar matters.
“To avoid duplication of effort and reporting, they’re the one exception of the consolidated government of Jacksonville,” Miller said.
Councilman Miller expects strong support for this measure, which he believes will strengthen transparency and accountability within city government.
“Most people really want there to be oversight, accountability for taxpayer dollars, and so this is just one way to expand the likelihood that people are going to report,” Miller said. “So, I believe we will get widespread support on the city council.”
