Commissioner Kim Fraser to ask Knox County Commission for a comprehensive ethics‑code review

Commissioner Kim Fraser said she will present a resolution to the Knox County Commission on Aug. 25 asking that the Knox County Ethics Committee conduct “a comprehensive review and revision of the Knox County code of ethics.” The briefing to the committee on Aug. 25 was informational only; the commission has not yet voted on the proposed resolution.

Fraser told the committee the county’s ethics policy was adopted under the Tennessee Comprehensive Governmental Ethics Reform Act of 2006 and has not received a thorough review in nearly 19 years. “Some 19 years later, expectations have evolved, community standards heightened, and operational realities warrant a timely and thorough assessment of the current policy to ensure that it remains comprehensive, relevant, and enforceable,” she said.

The draft resolution Fraser described asks the committee to evaluate the clarity and adequacy of current provisions, review best practices from other jurisdictions, solicit public input, and prepare specific recommended amendments. Areas specifically named in Fraser’s presentation included expanding definitions of ethical behavior; strengthening rules on gifts, political contributions and campaign financing; clarifying conflict‑of‑interest procedures and disclosure requirements; addressing employment restrictions and nepotism involving elected officials; clarifying the process for filing and considering ethics complaints; adding enforcement and training mechanisms; and instituting a recurring five‑year review of ethics policies.

Fraser proposed an initial 120‑day target for the committee to present findings but said the County Commission could amend the scope or timetable. Several committee members said 120 days would be tight given members’ schedules and the research requested; multiple members recommended 180 days with the option to return to the commission for additional time if needed. Fraser responded that she would submit an amended resolution to reflect that flexibility.

Several members asked about the committee’s role if criminal indictments or similar allegations arise. The committee chair deferred to the law department, which stated the committee does not take action without a complaint and confirmed it had received no ethics complaints to date. The law department representative said, “this entity does not take action without a complaint of some sort.”

Members pressed for broad public engagement and clearer access to current ethics procedures. Committee members noted the county’s ethics policy and the sworn affidavit used to file complaints are available on the Knox County website; Fraser and the chair said they would work with the law department on notice and logistics for public input. Fraser invited committee members and the public to submit suggested language and provided an email address for submissions: kim.fraser@knoxcounty.org.

Fraser emphasized the project was not triggered by a single incident but reflected an ongoing effort to modernize policy: “This is not coming out of a specific, incident or situation,” she told members, and she called the review “way overdue.”

No vote or formal action on the proposed resolution was taken by the ethics committee during the meeting; Fraser said she will present the (amended) resolution to the Knox County Commission for consideration. The committee also handled routine business — adopting the agenda, approving minutes and adjourning — by voice vote.