Peachtree City is one of 24 cities that have been honored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) as a “Certified City of Ethics.”

The designation comes after Peachtree City implemented its ethics ordinance earlier this year to govern the conduct of city officials. The ethics ordinance was reviewed by attorneys to make sure it complied with the criteria GMA set forth.

GMA has encouraged its member cities throughout Georgia to pass strict ethics regulations “to help improve their public image and regain the trust of their constituents,” said GMA Executive Director Jim Calvin.

Peachtree City Mayor Bob Lenox said the city staff, particularly City Clerk Nancy Faulkner and City Manager Jim Basinger, worked hard on preparing the ordinance for council's consideration. He also credited the work of Councilwoman Carol Fritz.

Lenox added that it is nice for the city to be recognized, but he feels there have never been any ethics problems during or before his tenure as mayor.

“Adopting the ordinance was just a good way to get it in writing,” Lenox said.

The ordinances were required to guide city officials' conduct in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interest and outside employment, according to GMA. They must also contain strong penalty provisions, including public reprimands, fines and removal from office for city officials who violate the ordinance.

“The `City of Ethics' program recognizes cities and individual leaders who make a tangible commitment to ethical conduct,” Calvin said.

There are now a total of 37 cities with the “City of Ethics” status, according to GMA.

GMA is a nonprofit organization that serves 479 member cities with legislative advocacy, research, training and other consulting services.

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