Fiscal Court adopts updated ethics ordinance adding misdemeanor penalty for false complaints

The Boyle County Fiscal Court unanimously approved the second reading of ordinance 280.4 on Nov. 12, updating the county code of ethics for officials and employees.

The changes remove a requirement to send certain notices by certified mail and add enforcement language for false complaints. The court inserted language making the knowing filing of a false complaint punishable as a Class A misdemeanor — up to 12 months in jail — and authorizes a $500 fine, according to the version the court approved.

Supporters said the addition clarifies consequences for knowingly filing false allegations and will be more visible to potential complainants. One magistrate argued that placing the penalty language directly on the complaint form will make readers “understand the consequences” before they sign. County counsel noted the ordinance’s penalty is intended to align with Kentucky Revised Statutes for second‑degree perjury and that the wording would be consistent with statute.

The court debated whether to spell out both the fine and jail term in the ordinance text or rely on statutory citation; the body moved and approved the insertion of both figures. The motion to approve the second reading with those additions passed by voice vote.

The ordinance now proceeds as adopted by the fiscal court; staff said the revised complaint form and final ordinance language will be published with the county code.