Davenport civil-rights commissioners press city on harassment, finances and missing mail; city administrator sets May 9 response target

Members of the Davenport Civil Rights Commission told the Davenport City Council on April 15 that long‑running workplace problems — including alleged harassment, withheld mail, unclear salaries and conflicting finance numbers — remain unresolved, and requested specific actions from city administration.

The commission’s director, Latrice Lacy, said the office has faced repeated delays in responses from human resources, finance and administration that have left the commission understaffed and unable to hire investigators. “How can I offer someone a position if I don't know what they're going to get paid?” Lacy said. She told the council two formal complaints she filed — in December 2023 and in April 2024 — have not been resolved.

Why it matters: The commission enforces fair‑housing and civil‑rights complaints and holds federal certifications that require financial recertification. Lacy said HUD recertification is pending because finance staff have not provided the requested certification and she fears personal liability if she is asked to sign inaccurate statements. The commission also told the council an outside attorney was hired and confidential commission mail was opened without the commission’s knowledge; the commission has sought an investigation.

City Administrator Doug (surname not specified in the record) told the group he would gather information and “give you an initial target date, May 9.” He said he would consult directors and report which…