Peachtree City is on its way to becoming an official “City of Ethics,” having started that process by the recent adoption of an ethics ordinance and resolution by the City Council.

The Georgia Municipal Association has established a new Certified City of Ethics program that will “give city officials an opportunity to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct,” according to a written statement from the city.

After reviewing the standards set by the GMA, the city's attorneys and staff put together an amendment to the city's current code of ethics. The proposed changes include the following:

Prohibiting elected officials and employees from using the city attorney for personal use without paying just compensation.

Prohibiting elected officials and employees from using their position to coerce others to provide financial benefits to them or any people connected to them.

Restricting contracts with current and former elected officials and employees.

Establishing an ethics committee of citizens to investigate and decide charges of violations.

Continuing to restrict elected officials' and employees' acceptance of gifts or services that could improperly influence the discharge of their official duties.

Prohibiting full-time employees from engaging in outside employment that would interfere with the interests of their city service.

Prohibiting political campaigning by employees during times they are expected to perform their work and receive compensation from the city.

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