Ballston Spa board adopts ethics code amendment after public hearing

The Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026, amending the village ethics code, following a public hearing and a roll‑call vote that passed 5–0.

The hearing drew sustained public comment about the town’s lack of an active ethics board. "The ethics board has completely collapse[d] by failing to appoint members," said Ben Baskin, a resident who addressed trustees during the public hearing, urging the board to restore transparency and routine appointment processes. Trustees discussed term language and caught a cut‑and‑paste error that had introduced an incorrect eight‑year reference; staff confirmed the correct restriction is "no more than two consecutive four‑year terms."

Trustees initially tabled the matter to ensure procedural steps were satisfied and to confirm the short form environmental review (SEQR) determination. The village attorney presented Parts 1–3 of the SEQR short form and recommended a negative declaration; the board then lifted the tabled motion and adopted the law. The clerk noted the local law is effective only after filing and acceptance by Albany, a process that can take up to 30 days.

The amendment is intended to allow staggered terms and to clarify nomination/appointment mechanics so the ethics board may be reconstituted. Trustees and public speakers emphasized the need to publicize vacancies and to accept committee interest forms; the board said it will post openings on the village website and Facebook page.

Next steps: the village clerk and attorney were authorized to make minor technical edits to the local law before filing it with state authorities; implementation of new appointments will follow the posting and recruitment steps outlined by trustees.