Municipal ombudsman to examine abandoned‑property abatements and employee free‑speech issues

Daryl Hess, municipal ombudsman, told the Rules Committee on May 14 that his three‑person office has recorded more than 500 entries in its case‑management system this year and currently has seven or eight open investigations.

The ombudsman flagged two ongoing deep dives. First, staff are examining how the municipality implements abandoned‑property and code‑abatement requirements (AO93s), including whether people who are relocated receive clear information and whether relocation funds and procedures are adequate. Daryl said a deputy ombudsman plans a ride‑along with code abatement staff to better understand practices.

Second, the office is researching whether municipal employees experience limits on their First Amendment rights when they testify or comment as private citizens outside working hours. "Are their rights limited because of their employment with the municipality?" Daryl asked, noting reports that some employees felt counseled or reprimanded for off‑duty public comments.

Daryl also said the office hosted a 'difficult conversations' workshop with UAA that received positive feedback and that the ombudsman is developing a training room and undertaking a first-ever three‑year strategic plan starting in October. The committee did not take formal action on these items but members were invited to suggest other training topics.