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Council appoints Val Gross as public integrity officer; nominee pledges hotlines, anonymity and monthly updates

Pontiac City Council · January 14, 2026

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Summary

Val (Ballard/Valor) Gross, a longtime Pontiac police leader, was confirmed unanimously as the city's public integrity officer; in testimony Gross described plans for an anonymous reporting hotline, a web complaint form, monthly updates to council, and a focus on anti‑corruption and restoring public trust.

The council confirmed the appointment of Val Gross (presented as Ballard/Valor Gross) to the new charter‑mandated public integrity officer position.

HR Director Dorokovich outlined Gross’s law‑enforcement background and qualifications. Gross, a former Pontiac Police chief and recent school‑district security chief, said he will establish an anonymous reporting hotline, create complaint and suggestion forms, meet with department heads and share monthly updates with council. He emphasized independence and non‑retaliation for complainants and said investigations will be handled lawfully and professionally.

Gross told the council he would "establish a hotline for reporting concerns" and that complaint filers could remain anonymous. Council members across the dais welcomed the appointment and noted the charter requires council appointment and mayoral confirmation; Mayor McGinnis said he agreed and confirmed the selection.

The resolution passed unanimously on roll call; council discussed how the officer will report to an ethics board composed of mayor and council appointees. Gross said resources and staff were not finalized but promised to engage peer cities and present an operational plan.