Baltimore Inspector General Isabelle Mercedes requests new position for enhanced oversight

The Baltimore City Council hearing on May 30, 2025, focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Inspector General Isabelle Mercedes presented a detailed overview of the OIG's activities, emphasizing its commitment to investigating violations across various city departments and the importance of ethical governance.

Mercedes highlighted the OIG's achievements in fiscal year 2025, which included multiple investigative reports addressing issues within the Department of Public Works, Monzy's Safe Streets, and the Baltimore City Police Department, among others. The OIG has seen a significant increase in complaints, receiving over 800 this year, which reflects a growing public trust in the office. The inspector general noted that the OIG identified over $10 million in waste and savings during the first three quarters of the fiscal year, underscoring its role in promoting fiscal responsibility.

A key point of discussion was the OIG's staffing challenges. Mercedes requested the addition of one new position to help manage the increasing number of investigations, citing that current staff members are handling multiple active cases. She emphasized that the OIG has not had any vacancies for over a year, yet the workload continues to grow, with 33 active investigations and 23 pending cases.

The inspector general also addressed the budget allocation, stating that 95% of the OIG's budget is dedicated to salaries and personnel costs. She expressed concern over the recent budget cuts that affected the request for additional staff, despite the advisory board's support for the enhancement. Mercedes urged the council to consider the importance of having adequate oversight to prevent issues like those previously identified in the Department of Public Works.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the OIG's critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability within Baltimore City government. The inspector general's request for additional staffing reflects the ongoing need for effective oversight as the city navigates complex challenges in governance and public service. The council's response to this request will be pivotal in shaping the OIG's capacity to fulfill its mandate in the coming fiscal year.