The Human Resources director for Kansas City said he knew there were issues in the department.
This is in response to an audit by the city that showed the Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office needs to improve process of documenting complaints, do a better job of communicating with those who filed grievances and keep more accurate and complete data.
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"The department agrees. Human Resources has made changes to ensure clarity on how conclusions are reached through the objective review of decisions," explained Gary O'Bannon, HR director for Kansas City.
The audit looked at 36 out of the 169 employee issues from fiscal years 2014-2016.
One auditor said their files lack organization to the point they were difficult to review. In fact, they could not find 6 out of the 36 files.
"It's not a good thing. Whether it's one or a hundred, even one is not a good thing to have. How we respond to these complaints from a complaintive standpoint, it's important that we look at it and let them know we look at it because we don't want them left hanging," explained Douglas Jones, the city auditor.
O'Bannon said moving forward they would like for cases to be handled A to Z in 90 days, but that some cases will of course take more time.
O'Bannon said during the time of the audit they only had one investigator. As of July 2016, they have three. They've decreased time spent by 60 percent, according to O'Bannon.
"Prompt investigation and resolution of those EEO complaints are really important. It's a really important process. We made recommendations that should improve that process for the city, as well as the complainants, those accused and ultimately hopefully the taxpayers will see some benefits," explained Jones.
O'Bannon agreed with all 10 recommendations the audit found. The department has addressed or started addressing them as well.
That department has decided to move forward with an electronic master file. Previously the file could be hand written or electronic.
Decisions investigators make will also be presented before a committee who will weigh in on the direction the investigation should take. O'Bannon will sit on this committee along with someone from legal and the city manager's office.
O'Bannon said this committee will meet on a weekly basis and as needed.
