City Controller Sylvia R. Garcia today launched
her newest effort to promote honesty, integrity
and professionalism in City government by installing
a user-friendly web page that allows taxpayers
and City employees to confidentially report known
instances of City government waste and fraud directly
to the Offi of the City Controller's City Auditor.
By accessing the home page of the City Controller's
web site at www.ci.houston.tx.us/citygovt/controller,
Internet users can click on the top link listed
under Newly Updated Information to access the
Fraud Hotline page. The page can also be accessed
through the City of Houston's home page under
"What's New" heading. Within the next few days,
the Fraud Hotline page will also be accessible
via a link on the E-Governrnent page linking the
City Controller's web site with the City's.
The Fraud Hotline page features step-by-step
instructions for reporting the type of fraud,
the fraudulent activity, names of individuals
or businesses involved in the activity and other
details of the incident. Page users may provide
a name and phone number where the City Auditor,
a member of the City Controller's staff, can reach
them. The information may also be submitted anonymously.
Controller Garcia said the new web page should
make it easier for City employees and taxpayers
alike to report known government fraud and waste.
"I think this will be a terrific tool for those
who are aware of improper or wasteful government
activity but are reluctant to come forward in
person, for whatever reason," she said. "Now they
can provide us with details, but limit their personal
involvement if they fear it could jeopardize their
employment."
The City Auditor will take action on all reports.
The City Controller's Audit Division also maintains
a telephone fraud hotline, 713/437- 6254. The
telephone fraud hotline accepts information 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
