The city of Ottawa says it agrees with all 39 recommendations tabled Thursday in the auditor general Ken Hughes’ annual report, saying it has already acted on some and working on the others.
“Management is committed to finding better ways to monitor, measure and assess the work we do in order to improve overall performance, streamline operations and deliver value to Ottawa residents,” city manager Kent Kirkpatrick said in a statement.
Mr. Hughes found OCTranspo spent $600,000 on a sole-source contract to manage its lost and found department. The report determined one city worker had either an actual or potential conflict of interest in this case.
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While Mr. Hughes said the ethical climate at city hall is quite strong, some staff still fear what might happen to them if they report any questionable conduct they encounter.
The report determined a new initiative for parts purchasing ended up costing the city more money without reducing delivery delays.
Mr. Hughes also reviewed complaints sent to the fraud and waste hotline. He determined city management turned to a developer’s appraisal instead an independent one when it paid $1.3 million to buy the George Nelms Sports Park.
He also found a $50,000 payment under the Community Benefit program did not follow the standard procedure.
The full report can be found at www.ottawa.c
