Cary staff previews anti-retaliation policy and confidential tip line ahead of Thursday vote

Town staff presented a draft Policy Statement 1-90 intended to provide anti-retaliation protections and a confidential employee tip line in response to recommendations from Cherry Beckert and Womble Bond Dickinson. The manager's office said the draft merges recommendations and that employees will be able to report concerns to any director, the legal department, or the internal auditor; anonymous reports will be accepted but may limit investigatory steps.

"This is our anti retaliation, and protection for reporting improper activity," Interim Town Manager Russ Over said while previewing the policy language and the intent to include a confidential reporting mechanism. Staff emphasized they will develop internal standard procedures and training if the council adopts the policy on Thursday and that investigations will be prompt and, if necessary, referred to the town attorney or outside investigators.

Council members questioned how the policy would be integrated with onboarding and suggested a sentence authorizing the manager or designee to create standard procedures and provide training. One member urged language making the policy part of new-employee orientation and subject to annual review; another recommended targeted supervisor training so managers understand consequences for retaliation.

If the council adopts the policy on Thursday, staff said they will return with the proposed tip-line implementation details and an estimate of any cost implications for the service.