Kelly Madigan, Baltimore County's inspector general, said she was blindsided Monday when she was asked to reapply for the position she has held for the past five years.

While wrapping up a recent fraud investigation and finishing her first meeting with Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, Madigan said she was handed a letter informing her that the inspector general position would be posted publicly for applicants beginning May 14.

"The letter said the position was going to be advertised on May 14, which is today," Madigan told WJZ.

The job posting will remain open for three weeks. 

Madigan said she intends to apply, but hopes the situation spurs changes to county law that would better protect the independence of the inspector general role.

"I'm a public servant by heart," Madigan said. "If I don't get the job, I'd have to think about what I would want to do, but it would probably be in public service because I'm committed to that kind of work."

Inspector general is appointed

The move has raised eyebrows among local officials and watchdog advocates who view Madigan as a key player in government accountability.

"For the office that I created in five short years, where we have issued 34 public reports, five annual reports, and made over a hundred recommendations. It's disappointing," Madigan said.

According to the county statute, the inspector general is appointed by the county executive and serves a fixed term. 

However, critics argue that turning the reappointment process into an open hiring search is unusual and could jeopardize the office's independence.

County Executive Kathy Klausmeier's office issued a statement defending the decision:

"[The County Executive] encourages the Inspector General to apply for a second term in this critical role. Inspector General Madigan has performed honorably in her ongoing work in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of Baltimore County government on behalf of the residents."

Support for Madigan

Support for Madigan quickly followed the announcement. 

Baltimore County Council President Izzy Patoka issued a statement calling for the open hiring process to be halted.

"I am extremely concerned about this action," Patoka said. "Ms. Madigan has the exact acumen that is needed to continue her work to lead the Baltimore County Inspector General's Office. I am urging you to suspend this open hiring process."

Despite the encouragement to reapply, Madigan expressed concern about the process and what it signals about support for oversight work in the county.

"It's a difficult job," Madigan said. "It's one that I love wholeheartedly, but there can be a variety of reasons as to why this happened—I'm never going to know the answer."

Madigan has had a rough patch in her role. , former Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski sought to create an oversight board to dampen Madigan's investigatory powers.

What does the Office of the Inspector General do?

The Baltimore County Office of the Inspector General " functions independently to conduct investigations to identify fraud, waste and abuse, while also identifying ways to promote efficiency, accountability and integrity in Baltimore County government operations," according to the county's website.

Madigan is Baltimore County's First Inspector General and has held the role since 2020.