King County Council approves Dembowski amendment to strengthen oversight, accountability of County-funded programs in DCHS compliance legislation

The King County Council adopted an amendment from Councilmember Rod Dembowski to reform oversight of the Department of Community and Human Services grant programs. This amendment, designed to bolster accountability, comes in response to recent Auditor findings of waste and potential fraud in county-funded programs. Dembowski stressed the importance of restoring public trust and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Key components of the amendment include developing a program for independent audits and assessing the feasibility of an Office of Inspector General with investigative powers. Additionally, the proposal explores a Qui Tam program to incentivize the reporting of waste, fraud, and abuse.

The Auditor's report is due by June 1, 2026, with a preliminary status report set for March 1, 2026. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to enhancing transparency and accountability in county funding. Strengthening these oversight mechanisms is vital for ensuring effective use of public resources.