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Council directs first reading of employee conflicts-of-interest ordinance
Summary
Council voted unanimously to place a new town employee conflicts-of-interest ordinance on the Oct. 6 agenda for first reading; the ordinance codifies definitions, prohibited conduct, disclosures and an exemption process consistent with Wyoming law.
Jackson Town Council authorized staff to place a draft conflicts-of-interest ordinance for town employees on the Oct. 6 agenda for first reading. The ordinance codifies definitions and procedures for disclosure, exemptions and penalties and is intended to align town policy with Wyoming statutory requirements.
Town attorney Leah Colossemano and Human Resources staff explained the ordinance covers private and financial conflicts, outside employment, gifts, misuse of office, service on boards and participation in political activity. The draft adopts the state’s $250 threshold for certain gift exemptions, defines "immediate family," and specifies a procedure for staff to request exemptions.
Councilors discussed the $250 threshold (staff noted it comes from Wyoming ethics statutes), the need to balance transparency with recruiting and retaining public employees, and narrow exemptions for law enforcement officers performing official duties (for example, providing security at public political events while on duty). Staff will add a clarifying exemption for law enforcement to the draft before first reading.
Councilor Beaman moved and Councilor Spirie seconded the motion to direct staff to place the draft ordinance on the Oct. 6 council agenda for first reading; the motion passed unanimously.
