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Council weighs adding whistleblower duties to internal auditor, debate centers on protections and communication
Summary
Council held first reading on an ordinance adding whistleblower-complaint investigation duties to the internal auditor and discussed whether to statutorily strengthen local protections, improve employee outreach, and consider placing the auditor under council oversight; the item will return for further consideration Jan. 7.
Council held a first reading and public hearing on an ordinance to add duties to the city's internal auditor'including investigating complaints under the Georgia Whistleblower Protection Act (OCGA §45-1-4).
Proponents, including Councilor Toya Tucker, said putting the duty in ordinance would provide clarity and reassure potential whistleblowers that they are protected and that the city has a defined reporting path. Tucker said the change would make explicit that report recipients and processes are clear and that whistleblowers should not fear reprisal.
Council members debated whether the change should be handled by administrative policy or as a formal ordinance. Several members argued the hotline and processes already exist and are administered by the internal auditor and human resources, while others called for additional written protections and improved communication to staff. One public commenter, a union representative, urged stronger protections and said past whistleblowers had been mistreated.
Council directed staff to draft clarifying language and asked the auditor and HR to document how employees are informed of rights and procedures; the matter will return to council on Jan. 7 for additional review and a second reading.
What happens next: Staff will prepare ordinance language and supporting materials (employee information, hotline procedures) and return the item for second reading in January.
