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City hires outside investigator to examine employee complaints; labor counsel to supervise scope
Summary
Facing confidential complaints from multiple employees who report directly to the City Commission, New Smyrna Beach retained an experienced outside investigator, Vicky Sproat, to conduct a confined, independent review; the city attorney and labor counsel will supervise scope and receive a final report.
The New Smyrna Beach City Commission on Aug. 13 authorized an independent investigation into confidential employee complaints and voted to retain attorney Vicky Sproat to conduct the inquiry.
Wayne Helzby, the city's labor and employment counsel, told commissioners that several employees had brought confidential allegations that in part involve staff who report directly to the commission and therefore the decision to investigate must be made by the commission rather than by the city manager. Helzby recommended retaining an outside, experienced investigator and presented two proposals: Vicky Sproat (proposed $275 per hour) and Scott Simpson ($200 per hour).
"Authorizing an investigation will enable an investigator to determine the validity of the allegations and thereafter enable you as the commission to determine what action, if any, should be taken," Helzby said.
Commissioners asked for limits and oversight: they requested a confined scope, a cost estimate up front, and periodic status updates. Helzby said he would define a written scope, confine the work to the documented allegations, and require the investigator to provide progress updates; once the report is finalized it will be publicly disclosed.
The commission then voted to hire Sproat to perform the investigation. Commissioners asked staff to provide all commission members with the same documentation and for Helzby to monitor costs and keep the body apprised of developments.
What the vote means: The investigator will interview complainants, identified witnesses and relevant staff, compile a written report and return findings to the commission. While the investigation is ongoing the materials and interviews are confidential; the final report will be subject to public disclosure. The commission signaled it wants a firm estimate of hours and costs and a focused scope that does not "spiral out" into unrelated inquiries.
Next steps: Labor counsel will provide commissioners with the materials and the investigator will begin work under the counsels direction; the commission requested early updates and a cost estimate from the investigator.
