County Employee Fired, Others Counseled, Because of Solano County Tip Line

The results of the July 1 through June 30 report were released last week, and summarize the 10 cases found to have merit of the 25 cases reported to the Solano County Auditor-Controller’s Internal Audit Division through the County Whistleblower Program.

"The Whistleblower Program continues to demonstrate success in the identification of County-related matters in potential fraud, waste and abuse," the county said in a press release. "The Program continues to improve controls, and oversight throughout the County."

In the sole incident that led to a firing, an employee was found to be regularly taking time off without any approval or coordinating with other employees, according to the press release. In another case, a doctor allegedly brought his kids to the clinic where he worked, an employee was allegedly given more overtime than others, and seven employees were said to be crammed into a room meant for four.

Solano County employees can report tips to the whistleblower hotline by calling 1-866-384-TIPS or going online to http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/auditor/whistleblower/report_form.asp.

The full summary of the 10 cases found to have merit follows:

Complaint Allegation

Resolution County employee conducting a personal business on County time Employee reprimanded by the Deputy Director Mental Health. MH supervisors instructed to improve supervision of employees County employee coming to work late and taking long lunch breaks Employee counseled by supervisor on management of time and informing supervisor on schedule changes/variations Unauthorized use of a County vehicle – van identified in parking lot of Kaiser Fairfield clinic Employee counseled by supervisor on approved uses of County vehicles Unpermitted construction – demolition and replacement of a chimney Building and Safety Division investigated and confirmed that no permit had been issued for the work. Homeowner contacted and permits issued post construction County employee regularly takes time off without coordination or approval Employee terminated for cause Conflicts between case records and travel records for a MH employee Referred to County Compliance Officer for further investigation and corrective action. Compliance case still pending Doctor bringing his children to work at Vallejo Clinic Employee counseled by supervisor. Dr. now understands the rule and no longer brings children to work Seven employees required to share a room designed for four people Staff moved to alleviate congested work space Cash and purchasing controls being violated in HSS Accounts Payable unit Immediate changes made to improve cash controls. Purchasing controls are being evaluated in the Master Internal Control Review currently in process One employee being given overtime in preference to other staff Policy changed so overtime is being offered to all staff on equal basis