Tampa voters could give City Hall a new watchdog
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Tampa voters could decide in March whether to create an inspector general with the power to investigate misconduct at City Hall.
Why it matters: The city's existing Internal Audit Department reports to the mayor.
- If voters approve the charter amendment, Tampa would have an independent watchdog who could investigate the administration without reporting to the officials being investigated.
Driving the news: City Council will review the charter amendment Thursday, along with other changes that would give Tampa's legislative branch more power to rein in the mayor.
- Mayor Jane Castor has described the changes as a "power grab" and told Axios that undermining the city's strong-mayor form of government is "shortsighted."
- Council members, however, view the charter amendments as necessary, saying that, as things stand, they have no way to handle a dispute with the mayor.
Zoom in: The inspector general would be empowered to investigate city departments, employees and contractors; issue subpoenas; and refer suspected wrongdoing to law enforcement.
- The inspector general would serve a five-year term after a selection committee nominated them and at least five Council members confirmed them.
- Removing the inspector general would also require a five-vote threshold, as well as cause, such as misconduct or failure to perform official duties.
The big picture: Tampa wouldn't be the first local government in Florida to establish an inspector general's office.
- Miami-Dade County created one in 1997, and the City of Jacksonville followed in 2014.
What's next: After Thursday's meeting, the amendments will return as ordinances for a first reading Nov. 5 and a final vote Nov. 19.
- Then, in March, residents will have a chance to weigh in. The amendments need at least 50% of the vote to pass.