[Tax-chick]

Then the next level of management should deal with it, ideally with financial penalties.

Unfortunately, these are government employees, so the change of any sensible action's being taken is practically nil.

[Ken H]

Then the next level of management should deal with it, ideally with financial penalties.

Agreed.

Unfortunately, these are government employees, so the change of any sensible action's being taken is practically nil.

That's why a degree of public shaming and humiliation in the form of an apology letter is a reasonable request. If the officials become hostile or angry for having to eat crow for their own wrongful actions, then fire their butts.