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Dewey commissioners pass whistleblower policy

Town manager to conduct investigations with commissioner oversight
November 29, 2018

Dewey commissioners passed a whistleblower protection policy Nov. 10 that gives the town manager control of investigations with commissioner oversight.

Town Manager Scott Koenig first submitted a draft policy at the October meeting, but Commissioners Gary Persinger and David Moskowitz said they revised the draft to reduce the town’s liability.

Koenig said he merged both documents, but discussion ensued over who should manage the investigation.

Moskowitz objected to the town manager being in control of certain investigations, such as sexual harassment cases.

Commissioner Paul Bauer disagreed.

“That makes the assumption the town manager is in the middle of it,” he said. “I like it written as is, with the town manager in charge.”

Moskowitz said he thought the town’s human resources consultant and town counsel should conduct investigations and report findings to the town manager, who would then make a decision, rather than having the town manager conduct the investigation and make the final decision about the complaint.

Commissioner Dale Cooke, presiding over the meeting in Mayor T.J. Redefer’s absence, said he had no problem with the town manager and human resources consultant doing the investigation and the town manager making the decision.

“Our town manager’s job is not like an office manager job in any way, shape or form,” he said. “He is, in effect, the top line of management in town hall.”

Persinger said he understood Cooke’s point, but that would make the town manager responsible for the investigation overall.

“I expect he would use resources necessary to conduct the investigation and would use legal or other expertise for financial issues,” Persinger said. “If we don’t think the right mix of expertise is involved, we have the opportunity to tell the town manager to get the right people involved.”

Persinger proposed adding language stating the town manager is responsible for assembling all necessary resources and expertise to effect a thorough and neutral investigation and resolution to the complaint. The additional language and policy were unanimously approved.

Commissioners, employees, committee members and volunteers are among protected whistleblowers.

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