County commissioners and key employees could be fined up to $1,000 for ethics violations if a proposed new ordinance is adopted by the Board of Commissioners.

"People in the county are very concerned about getting a very tough ethics ordinance," said newly elected Commissioner Greg Dunn last week as he presented the proposed law.

Dunn gave copies of the ordinance to commissioners during the meeting rather than including the document in informational packets that are distributed to the media, saying he preferred that commissioners be the first to see the proposal.

"I think it's a good time to address the issues," said Dunn. "These five people, I'm convinced, are the right people to address this issue."

He asked the group to review the proposal and make suggestions for changes within ten days so the ordinance can be on the agenda for the panel's Jan. 28 meeting for a vote.

Among provisions in the first draft commissioners, covered employees and their families may not:

Engage in business with the government that is "inconsistent with the conscientious performance of his/her governmental duties;"

Use information gained through performance of governmental duties for private profit.

Solicit or accept gifts "under circumstances from which it could reasonably be inferred that a major purpose of the donor is to influence the performance of the official's/employee's official duties."

Officials must disclose any gift or campaign contribution greater than $250, and may not take official action on any matter involving the donor if the amount exceeds $500.

Accept any economic opportunity if there is "a substantial possibility" that the opportunity is intended to influence official conduct.

Commissioners must disclose any business relationship with anyone having business with the county, and may not participate in official action if the business relationship provides the official $6,000 or more annually.

Money figures that trigger a prohibition of official action may change after commissioners discuss the ordinance, Dunn said, adding that disclosure is the most important requirement. "That way, everyone knows the relationship that exists," he said.

Covered officials include commissioners, the county manager, county clerk, department heads, and members of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Procedures for prosecuting violations include sworn complaints submitted to the clerk of the Board of Commissioners. If the complaint involves an employee, the commission decides whether there is sufficient evidence of a violation to conduct a hearing.

If the complaint involves a commissioner, then the county attorney of a nearby county decides whether there is sufficient evidence. If so, a review board made up of three county attorneys from nearby counties conducts a hearing.

During the campaign for his commission post this past summer and fall, Dunn made ethics a key issue, charging his incumbent opponent, Scott Burrell, with unethical conduct in voting for a rezoning petition submitted by a former business partner.