Section 775.50  Review at the Final Level

a)         If a grievance has not been resolved by the designated coordinator to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant shall submit a copy of the grievance form and designated coordinator's response to the Comptroller for final review within ten (10) days after receipt of the Designated Coordinator's written response.  The complainant shall submit these documents to the Comptroller, together with a short written statement explaining the reason(s) for dissatisfaction with the designated coordinator's response. The Comptroller will extend the period for submitting the review request and supporting documents for up to ten (10) additional days upon complainant's request.

b)         The Comptroller shall appoint a three (3) member panel consisting of a representative from the Personnel Department, the Legal Department and the Comptroller's Executive Staff to review the grievance (hereinafter referred to as the "Review Panel").  The Designated Coordinator, who rendered the written response to the complainant, shall not be eligible to serve on the Review Panel.  One member so appointed shall be designated Chairman.  If possible, the Comptroller shall include as one of these appointments, a person with a disability.

c)         The complainant shall be afforded an opportunity to appear before the Review Panel.  The Review Panel shall review Designated Coordinator's written response and may conduct interviews and seek advice as the Review Panel deems appropriate.

d)         The Review Panel shall approve, disapprove or modify the recommendations of the Designated Coordinator, shall render a decision thereon in writing within thirty (30) days, shall state the basis therefore, and shall cause a copy of the decision to be served on the parties. The Review Panel's decision shall be final.  If the Review Panel disapproves or modifies the Designated Coordinator's recommendations, the Review Panel shall include written reasons for such disapproval or modification.

e)         The grievance form, the Designated Coordinator's response, the statement of reasons for dissatisfaction, and the decision of the Review Panel shall be maintained in accordance with the State Records Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 116, par. 43.4 et seq.) [5 ILCS 160/1] or as otherwise required by law.