Friday, Febraury 13, 2004

County approves new ethics ordinance

At its February 4 meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a new code of ethics that replaces the existing code.

The resolution was originally introduced by District 5 Commissioner Emma I. Darnell. After lengthy deliberations and numerous amendments, Commissioner Darnell consented to share sponsorship with the entire Board of Commissioners.

The new code serves to clarify and strengthen previously existing ethics regulations, to provide terms and definitions, and to define the composition of the Ethics Board, among other measures.

The new ethics code applies not only to Fulton County Commissioners and employees, but also to Board appointees (excluding advisory boards without decision-making authority), contractual employees, and any consultant who is exclusively obligated to the County for 90 days or more.

One key element of the new code is the more specific prohibition of nepotism.  The code defines the meaning of “immediate family,” and provides specific guidelines related to hiring and contracting matters that may involve family members.

The composition of the Fulton County Ethics Board was revised to include members of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. It also provides that the Ethics Board’s Chair is to be elected from among its members, rather than appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

Additional portions of the code apply to issues of financial disclosures, gifts and favors/honoraria, use of confidential information, and conflicts of interest.

“There is no ethical or lawful way to benefit financially from public service. ‘Public service’ means what it says ­ service,” Darnell said.  “We would encourage young people interested in government to be aware that the community will no longer tolerate unethical conduct by public officials and employees.”

To review or print the new ethics code, or other related information, visit the District 5 Online Office at: www.myfultoncountyga.us/emma, Commissioner Darnell’s official Web site.