A resolution requesting the Department of Human Resources and the Metropolitan Purchasing Agent to use the Metropolitan Police Department and/or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct background checks on prospective Metropolitan Government employees instead of outsourcing this service to a private firm.

WHEREAS, for the past five years, the Metropolitan Government has contracted with an outside company to conduct employment related investigations and background checks; and

WHEREAS, since this contract has now expired, the Metropolitan Purchasing Agent has issued a Request for Proposals seeking a private firm to provide services in employment related investigations and background checks for the various Metropolitan Government agencies; and

WHEREAS, once awarded, the new contract for employment related investigations and background checks will be for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2007, and extending through December 31, 2011; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) offers background checks to the public for a flat fee of $29.00 per check; and

WHEREAS, a TBI background check will reveal whether the person in question has ever been arrested in the state, which would include both misdemeanor and felony charges; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to protect the confidentiality of records for prospective and current Metropolitan Government employees, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government rely on government resources to provide these background checks rather than outsourcing these checks to a private firm.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Department of Human Resources and the Metropolitan Purchasing Agent to use the Metropolitan Police Department and/or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct background checks on prospective Metropolitan Government employees instead of outsourcing this service to a private firm.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Human Resources Director Dot Shell Berry and to Purchasing Agent Jeff Gossage.

Section 3. That the Department of Human Resources and the Purchasing Agent are further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days from the date of adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel