Local Politics
  1. Home
  2. US
  3. North Carolina
  4. Cary
  5. Issues

Anti-Retaliation Policy

At a glance

  • What: Policy Statement 190 — Anti-Retaliation: Protection for Reporting Improper Activity.
  • Where it stands: Adopted July 23, 2026, 7-0.
  • Purpose: Provide clear, consistent protections for employees who report misconduct or policy violations in good faith by other employees or elected officials.
  • Next: Staff to develop standard procedure detailing implementation; quarterly reporting to Council on policy effectiveness (anonymized data).

Policy Details

What it addresses:

  • Retaliation protection for employees reporting misconduct or policy violations
  • Anonymous reporting options
  • Safe reporting channels and procedures
  • Covers reports of improper activities by employees or elected officials

Background:

  • Recommended by independent auditors Cherry Bekaert and Womble Bond Dickinson following investigations into prior town management issues.
  • Staff surveyed peer municipalities before drafting policy.

Implementation

  • Standard procedure in development to detail mechanisms and reporting channels.
  • Quarterly reporting requested by Bansal to Council on how policy is working (approach must protect anonymity of reporters).
  • Tip line under development to support implementation.
  • Related to Moving Forward dashboard recommendations responding to workplace environment findings.

Council Discussion

  • Kohn-Johnson thanked staff for adding language on training for reporters.
  • Bansal requested quarterly reporting while protecting reporter anonymity.
  • Craig apologized for Council's prior year failure to follow up on employee survey request, expressed regret for negative workplace culture, and welcomed protective safeguards.

Sources

Log

2026-07-21 - Town Council Work Session

Previewed Policy Statement 190 before Thursday's vote: reporting routes, anonymous reports, alternate routes when the manager is involved, a planned tip line, and a request to add periodic training language (from auto-captions).

2026-07-23 - Town Council Meeting

Policy Statement 190 adopted 7-0; motion by Kohn-Johnson, seconded by Bansal.

2026-08-27 - Town Council Work Session

Staff noted the policy completes part of a larger dashboard item; a tip line is still being set up (from auto-captions).