MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Supervisor Kathleen Vincent has introduced a resolution requesting a thorough audit of recent employee benefits contracts negotiated by the Department of Human Resources’ Total Rewards Division, citing concerns about oversight, compliance, and financial risk to taxpayers.
The resolution, cosponsored by Supervisors Jack Eckblad, Shawn Rolland, Steve F. Taylor, 1st Vice Chair Steven Shea, and Logsdon, calls on the Comptroller’s Audit Services Division to review the contracting process related to agreements with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Optum Rx, as well as other relevant benefits contracts, to ensure compliance with County requirements and timelines.
Contracts with UHC and Optum Rx expired on December 31, 2025, before amended agreements were approved, exposing Milwaukee County to a period of financial risk. Additionally, concerns were raised during recent Finance Committee meetings by both the Office of the Comptroller and the Office of Corporation Counsel regarding the negotiation process, including the omission of the County’s preferred audit language.
It was also acknowledged that the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, managed by a contracted vendor, did not comply with Section 56.30(5) of the Milwaukee Code of General Ordinances. According to Vincent:
“Employee benefits contracts are among the most significant financial obligations Milwaukee County undertakes,” said Vincent. “When proper procedures are not followed, or oversight mechanisms fall short, taxpayers and employees alike deserve answers. This resolution is about accountability, transparency, and preventing future financial or operational risk. It’s about responsible governance. We owe it to our workforce and to the public to ensure that major contracts are handled properly and in full compliance with County law.”
The proposed audit would assess whether recent benefits contracts were negotiated and administered in accordance with County standards and determine whether corrective measures are needed to strengthen internal controls.
The resolution is expected to be considered during the upcoming March committee cycle.
