By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating the city of Salisbury, though a top city official says he doesn’t know whether it’s the result of a complaint or just a routine audit.
The Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division on Monday confirmed an open investigation with Salisbury City Hall, according to Mike D’Aquino with the Office of Public Affairs.
D’Aquino said he could not provide any additional details at this time.
Interim City Manager Doug Paris said Monday evening the Labor Department doesn’t tell the city whether it’s responding to a complaint when performing an investigation.
“Sometimes it’s complaint-based, and sometimes it’s just our turn. The Department of Labor does not share that with us,”?Paris said. “When they come in, they have information they want to see, and we always provide it to them, and if they want to speak to anyone, we facilitate that.”
Paris said such audits are “not unusual, given the fact we’re a large employer.” And he said if Labor Department identifies any problems or makes recommendations, “we work to comply with it or take up those recommendations.”
Paris said Zack Kyle, the city’s human resources director, would handle any Department of Labor investigation. In an email Monday evening, Kyle said he is aware of the inquiry and noted that agencies such as the Labor Department conduct compliance audits. 
“However, the city has not been made aware of any findings at the present time,”?Kyle wrote. “If there is a determination that the city is not compliant with the department of labor regulations, we will make the necessary changes to gain compliance.”
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.