Old Saybrook —
Last month the Board of Selectmen (BOS) adopted a formal whistleblower policy for the town. The move has to do with the town’s ability to apply for grants rather than in response to any complaints.
At the April 12 BOS meeting, the board unanimously adopted a new whistleblower policy suggested by town Finance Director Lee Ann Palladino, who told the board that certain grants, including American Rescue Plan Act funds, require that towns have a whistleblower policy on the books.
“Grants received associated with the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds require conflicts of interest policies as well as protection for whistleblowers,” Palladino told the Harbor News.
Palladino said that there have been cases of mismanagement of grant funds and in particular pointed to a case in West Haven. An audit from the state Office of Policy and Management found that West Haven officials misspent close to $1 million in federal pandemic relief and failed to collect proper documentation as well.
Under Old Saybrook’s policy, town employees and volunteers are required to report suspected violations of the code of ethics, laws, or regulations to a supervisor.
Should a person be not satisfied with the actions taken by the supervisor or not comfortable with speaking with the supervisor, complaints can be taken to the first selectman.
“Supervisors and managers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to the...
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