County adopts anti-fraud policy

Sarasota County has adopted an anti-fraud policy for county government that prohibits fraudulent activity, advises county staff and elected officials about their responsibility to report suspected activities, spells out reporting procedures, provides non-retaliation protection and defines sanctions for employees and administrators.

The detailed policy covers fraud or suspected fraud that involves employees, administrators and elected officials, as well as vendors, contractors and others who conduct business with the county. The policy also applies to boards and agencies that are responsible to the county commission.

Any action that causes a loss of money or property will be reported to the Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, who will conduct an investigation with an appropriate law enforcement agency. Anyone who commits fraud under the policy will be subject to disciplinary action or dismissal.
The policy also establishes an Ethics and Compliance Officer in the office of the county administrator and requires the administrator to carry out the anti-fraud policy through an ethics and compliance program.

The Sarasota County Commission, along with department heads and supervisors, are responsible for establishing and maintaining management controls that provide security and accountability. Employees who believe fraud has been committed are required to provide a signed notification to their supervisors, department head or the Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. Employees also will able to report fraud through a fraud prevention hotline. The policy prohibits retaliation against employees with dismissal, discipline or intimidation.

Employees and administrators who participate in fraudulent activities may be subject to disciplinary action, termination and criminal prosecution or civil action. Employees who knowingly fail to report fraudulent activity will be subject to disciplinary action and termination.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].