At one time there was talk of added whistle-blower protection for employees that felt their position would be in jepordy if they reported any improprieties.
Sarasota Citizens understands it may be a while before trust in the administration is developed.
If you are a vendor or an employee of Sarasota county and have information or concerns and don’t feel you can come forward to the proper county authority, we need to hear from you.
Your identity will remain confidential.
Contact us at: asafeplace@sarasotacitizens.com
Sarasota County’s procurement practices finally became big news when Rodney Jones was arrested. Sarasota Citizens for Responsible Govenment uncovered evidence long before the arrest that Sarasota County was not using sound procurement practices.
During the Sunshine Suit, our group uncovered e-mails between county employees and potential bidders on county projects. No policy changes were made. Jim Ley had Karen Rushing conduct an audit, and Larry Arnold was re-assigned. That’s it.
The audit, conducted by fraud examiners with the Clerk of Court’s office, concluded there was no violation of the county’s procurement code and no “undue influence” in the decisions [read more].
Millions of dollars have been drained from our local economy. Local vendors suffer while collusion, bid rigging and favoritism seems the norm. The administration and commissioners have looked the other way and made it even more difficult for companies to protest the bidding process or award. They continue to make excuses for their inaction and take no responsibility for the culture of corruption that has taken hold in the county.
Sarasota Citizens for Responsible Government has “audited” Karen Rushings 2010 audit and reached the conclusion that it is vague and of no real value as a tool to pin-point the ongoing problems in procurement policy. It is the responsibility of the Clerk’s office to provide meaningful oversight for the county administration and we have sent a letter to Karen Rushing asking the audit be re-done.
Sarasota County has hired The Mercer Group to conduct a nationwide search for a new administrator to replace Jim Ley, we are concerned that the process to secure a new administrator is not being given the due diligence it deserves. We feel that the process is being rushed and that there is no consistancy in rating the candidates. If there is to be any change in Sarasota County it is vital that the selection of a new administrator is a thorough and ethical process.
Bullock e-mail: Dave Bullock asks Dan Barrett (an associate of IFG) for any language as to qualifications for an owners agent. Barrett contacts Michael Reinsdorf (owner of IFG), Jerry Reinsdorf and Joe Briglia (VP development) asking for specific language for the RFP that would set IFG apart. A ‘RFP’ is the document used to solicit proposals from potential providers of goods or services.
Jeff Seward’s e-mail: Jeff Seward admits to Pam Braggaccio that he asked Larry to assist in key points of the RFQ and that some of the data was provided by a potential recipient of the RFQ itself.
Sarasota County’s Owner’s Representative RFP, Section 18. Lobbying:
Proposers, their agents and associates shall not contact or solicit any County Commissioner, County employee, or official regarding this RFP during any phase of the RFP. Failure to comply with this provision may result in disqualification of the Proposer, at the option of the County. Only that individual listed as the contact person or Sarasota County Asset Management shall be contacted.
County Procurement Manual: Section 6.8.6:
During the time when the document is being drafted, the advertising period, the evaluation period, and as appropriate after recommendation of award, the Business Unit shall have no contact with potential or actual proposers, and shall direct all communications regarding the RFP to Procurement.
Duties as Custodian of County Funds and County Auditor:
- Provide accounting services to county departments under the Board of County Commissioners
- Provide accounting treatment for all fiscal changes implemented by the Board
- Investment of available county funds
- Provide financial reporting to the Board and all federal and state agencies
- Process accounts payable
- Audit all county expenditures
- Process the county payroll
- Review county government management and accounting controls
