Statement from Chair Vaughn Hartung and Vice-Chair Bob Lucey

Response to complaints against Washoe County Commissioner, Kitty Jung

Statement from Chair Vaughn Hartung and Vice-Chair Bob Lucey, Washoe County Commission and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Board of Fire Commissioners:

Reno, Nev. June 5, 2019. In accordance with Washoe County policy, Washoe County’s Human Resources Department responded to complaints made against Commissioner Kitty Jung and engaged an independent, third-party investigator to review and thoroughly investigate the complaints.

Washoe County and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District take harassment of any kind seriously, and are dedicated to a fair and consistent process for all parties involved. The existing policy related to Complaints of Policy Violations Against Elected Officials recognizes the autonomy of elected officials as well as the legal protections of employees, and seeks to balance these interests. When a violation of policy has occurred, appropriate and legally authorized actions to protect employees in the workplace and prevent violations of policies, are enacted.

The investigation determined that violations of Washoe County policy and Code of Conduct occurred. Specifically, Commissioner Jung was found to have made discriminatory comments about men in leadership positions, alleged sexual activities of staff, and sexual orientation of staff.  Further, the investigator determined that all complaints were made in good faith.

Washoe County Human Resources has done the following:

• Directed a thorough, third-party investigation.
• Recommended specific training for Commissioner Jung; the requirements of the training were adopted by the Board of Commissioners in 2018 (Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy).
• Strongly suggested Commissioner Jung refrain from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
• Reminded Commissioner Jung that retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint or providing information related to a complaint, is not tolerated.

Washoe County and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District have acted to the fullest extent of existing statutory authority on this matter.

For additional information on these procedures, click here: Complaints of Policy Violations Against Elected Officials