Council and HR Discuss Jobs

There have been several examinations for the Human Resources Department in the city of Buffalo and these examinations have proved that there are several problems with management. One of the major problems that the department currently faces is the fact that the city of Buffalo was actually putting out money for the health insurance of employees who were no longer alive. Some of these employees had been deceased for quite some time, according to Buffalo News.

Aside from this major problem, there have been some other serious problems as well. Some are questioning that the city was paying too much when it came to certain types of premiums for health insurance. The city was even overcharged by more than $150,000 for services from a particular law firm. These are just some of the many problems that the city of Buffalo has been facing as a whole.

The Commissioner for the Human Resources Department, Patricia P. Folts, was asked to make an appearance in front of the Common Council’s Finance Committee to better explain the situation. The discussion between the committee and the Folts was based mostly on these major problems that the city is facing. The discussion was also about how these problems could be avoided. During the discussion, Folts said, “Certainly, with everything that’s happened in the department, the employees have a heightened awareness about conflicts of interest.” Folts says the certain employees from the department are now aware that they have to disclose any problems that take place.

However, the City Auditor, Darryl McPherson, believe that all employees should be aware of this and not just the employees from the department. McPherson says, “It’s clear that that message isn’t quite getting out there.” He also said, “so there needs to be some effort to sort of reaffirm exactly what the city intends by its stance of ‘no conflict of interest.’ ”

The truth is, people who recently become employed are well aware of these policies but it is the people who have been working for quit a while who many not understand these policies as well. It is important to be open with all employees, both old and new employees. McPherson agrees that this is the best way for all employees to be reached.

As of right now, the employee who was once working for the law firm that blatantly overcharged the city of Buffalo is now on paid leave. A hearing will take place later on to discuss that matter and possible consequences that the employee will face for overcharging the city. In fact, the city of Buffalo may be suing the employee along with the supervisor of the firm. The city is no longer working with this firm and is now working with a separate reputable firm.