U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman was quoted as saying “the strength of a democracy is measured by the citizens’ trust in government.” Honest government is the foundation of our country, our state and our community.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of Palm Beach County’s mission is to provide independent and objective insight, oversight and foresight in promoting efficiency, effectiveness and integrity in government. The OIG accomplishes this through conducting audits, investigations and contract oversight activities.
By vote of the citizens, the OIG jurisdiction includes the county government and each of the 38 municipalities. 72 percent of Palm Beach County’s voting population is in favor of the OIG. It is funded not by tax dollars from Palm Beach citizens but by receiving one quarter of one percent from the contract sum of all municipal and county vendor contracts.
On a personal note, I have had interaction with the OIG on a few issues. On all occasions, they have been forthright in promoting right and proper government. Prior to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council’s vote to approve recent road projects, the OIG told the council that “piggybacking of construction projects is not encouraged.” The council awarded a contract for $72,000, which ended up costing Loxahatchee Groves some $140,000.
As a private citizen, a town government participant and a candidate for Loxahatchee Groves Town Council, I support and will continue to support the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General in its mission to furnish honest government for all county residents.
Keith Harris, Loxahatchee Groves
Keith if you’re going to run for office maybe you should know what you’re talking about. Inspector general’s office is not funded with contractor money. tell Jess to carry his own water.
Sec. 2-429. Financial support and budgeting. 303 (1) Pursuant to their annual budgeting processes, the county and each municipality shall 304 provide sufficient financial support for the inspector general’s office to fulfill its duties –