The number of complaints of fraud, misuse of resources and abuse by city employees continues to increase each year, according to Brian Molloy, chief of investigations for the Austin City Auditor’s Office. Molloy told the Council Audit and Finance Committee Wednesday that auditors received 404 complaints during fiscal year 2025, compared to 380 complaints in fiscal year 2024 and 316 in fiscal year 2023.
The City Auditor’s Integrity Unit Completed 11 investigations and one detection project, and published nine reports. Of those investigations, five resulted in the employee leaving the city, either voluntarily or as a result of being fired, he said.
Molloy noted that many of the allegations were not within the jurisdiction of the auditor’s office and some were referred to other departments, such as Human Resources. This year, complaints that resulted in investigations included one into cultural arts funding and an audit of an independent investigation launched in Austin Water.
The auditor’s office has a variety of ways for employees to report suspected fraud, waste and abuse. The person who makes the report can remain anonymous by using the auditors’ online reporting form, a dedicated email address for complaints or by using the hotline for complaints. A person who wishes to lodge a complaint may also directly contact a member of the City Auditor’s Office staff.
Deputy City Auditor Jason Hadavi also reported to City Council about planned audits for the upcoming year. Among the 10 topics for audits are a review of line-item spending, EMS revenue collection, the city’s management of its credit cards, alternate response options for fire and EMS calls and an audit of whether everyone who receives housing assistance funds is eligible.
The Audit and Finance Committee has been interviewing candidates to become the next City Auditor due to the retirement of Corrie Stokes at the end of the year.
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