Friday, April 25, 2003

Fulton Commission to keep existing ethics code

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted April 17 against proposed changes to the county's ethics code.

A resolution sponsored by District 5 Commissioner Emma I. Darnell would have revised portions of the current code.

The proposed changes would have expanded the number of employees to file financial disclosure reports, and provided more specific definitions regarding gifts and prohibited sources.

Additionally, the resolution would have included board appointees and non-employees doing work on behalf of the county, and revised the composition of the County's Ethics Board.

"While the changes I had proposed would have looked out for the interest of the taxpayer more, much of the code would have remained the same," said Commissioner Darnell.

"However, I believe this legislation was needed to better establish guidelines for ethical conduct and to tell the public we will not use our offices for personal gain."

The resolution was first presented at the Board's February 19 meeting. It was revised following a March 26 Board work session.