Council tables ethics board appointments amid questions about ordinance and public confidence

Villa Rica city council members on Feb. 11 voted to table appointments to a proposed city ethics board until the March meeting after an extended discussion about the authority and structure of the existing ordinance and whether it gives the public confidence to use the board.

Council members and City Attorney Drummond reviewed the city’s current ethics ordinance, which was modeled on a Georgia Municipal Association template and places appointment authority with the mayor and council. Drummond told the council the city is obligated to follow the ordinance currently in effect: "An ordinance is a law. So my advice is follow the law," he said, while noting that council can later pursue changes to the ordinance.

Several council members and public commenters said the current procedure — in which the mayor nominates and council approves members — leaves the perception of a conflict of interest when complaints concern elected officials. Councilmember Kevin (first name given in session) said he requested tabling so the council could be more deliberate and seek members representative of the community; he also noted it is often difficult to find volunteers willing to serve.

The city attorney confirmed the ordinance does not grant the ethics board authority to remove elected officials from office or to impose criminal penalties; the board can investigate and refer findings back to the governing body for action. Some council members and commenters said that limited enforcement authority reduces public confidence in the board. Council voted to table appointments to the March meeting to give members time to consider candidates and discuss whether ordinance changes are warranted.

Ending — Next steps: The item was tabled to the March meeting. Several council members asked staff to prepare options for possible ordinance changes that the council could consider in a work session prior to appointments.