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A new Audit Hotline web page that gives the public a means to anonymously report fraud, waste and abuse in City of Milwaukee government generated nearly 120 contacts during its first year, Ald. Bohl said.
During the hotline's first year – from August 2004 to August 2005 – 118 contacts were made, and 80 of those contacts were referred to city departments for follow-up action. Departments responded to 68 of the referrals and 12 remained under investigation. Five contacts were referred for criminal investigation.
In response to complaints about employee conduct, departments indicated that affected employees were counseled and in some cases received disciplinary warnings. Departments also reported that requested services were provided, including tree and shrub trimming, trash removal and property inspection. The Housing Authority reported investigating several complaints about Rent Assistance Program abuse and then took appropriate action.
Ald. Bohl, who was a co-sponsor of the legislation creating the hotline, said residents should also know that the hotline generated a diverse range of contacts regarding other agencies, including personnel and services connected with Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin. "The hotline has proven to be a benefit, giving Milwaukee residents the means to report fraud, waste, and abuse in city government, and backing that system up with a clear follow-up process," he said.
"I believe that the hotline could wind up being a major fiscal boon to the city, and I encourage residents, business owners and employees to continue to report suspected fraud, waste and abuse," Ald. Bohl said.
A review of the hotline's first year of contacts shows:
- Hotline staff received 77% or 91 of the 118 contacts through web page generated e-mail or direct e-mail.
- Citizen complaints generated the most hotline activity, accounting for 46% or 54 of the 118 contacts. A source of the complaint could not be determined for 24% (29 contacts), and city employees generated 24% (28) of the contacts. Five contacts came from Milwaukee County hotline staff, and vendors referred two contacts.
- A total of 60% or 71 hotline contacts were made anonymously or by identified parties requesting confidentiality.
The Audit Hotline web page may be used to report:
- Illegal acts, such as theft, fraud, kickbacks, price fixing, or conflicts of interest by city employees and its contractors;
- Misuse or abuse of city property, including city buildings, vehicles, or equipment, and
- Misconduct, incompetence or inefficiency by city employees.
The city's Audit Hotline web page is not intended for reporting:
- Improper activities by County, State or Federal employees or entities, and
- Improper activities by private parties not related to City of Milwaukee government.
The Audit Hotline web page may be accessed through a link on the City's home page at www.milwaukee.gov, or from the City Comptroller's web page. Please follow the reporting instructions carefully. Audit Hotline staff can also be contacted by email at hotline@milwaukee.gov, by FAX at (414) 286-3281 or by mail at the following address: Office of the Comptroller, Attention: Audit Hotline, 200 E. Wells Street, Room 404, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
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