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North Richland Hills adopts code of ethics, establishes complaint process and fines
Summary
The City Council adopted a codified ethics ordinance and updated council rules, creating a complaint-and-investigation process, annual training requirements and penalties including letters, reprimands, censure, removal (where permitted) and fines up to $500.
The North Richland Hills City Council voted unanimously April 13 to adopt a new city code of ethics that codifies council house rules, establishes a formal complaint process and sets penalties for violations.
Councilmember Roberts, who presented the ad hoc committee's work, said the ordinance—which applies to council and appointed board and commission members—seeks to "promote integrity, impartiality and transparency in municipal governance" and to provide a clear basis for discipline. She told the council the code covers conflicts of interest, misuse of position, limits on gifts and rules for disclosure and confidentiality.
The ordinance sets out step-by-step procedures for complaints: a complaint is filed with the city secretary, investigated by the city attorney, and the final action is taken by the council in open session. Possible outcomes include a statement that a complaint is without merit, letters of notification or admonition, reprimand, censure or removal from appointed office when allowed by charter and state law, and fines up to $500. "The complaint process provides detailed procedures for filing, investigating and resolving ethics complaints, including penalties for false complaints," Roberts said during her presentation.
Bradley, who explained legal and procedural elements for council, confirmed that the ordinance is intended to apply moving forward from adoption and that continuing conduct online could present gray areas for future complaints. Bradley noted the council may treat multiple alleged acts in a single incident as multiple counts in a complaint.
Supporters on the dais said the codification responds to resident requests for greater transparency and was drafted after research and multiple ad hoc committee meetings. The council approved ordinance 3954 on a 7-0 vote.
The ordinance also requires that officers acknowledge receipt of the code within 30 days and mandates annual ethics training provided by the city attorney. Councilmembers said the rules of procedure would be presented for formal action at a future meeting.
The council aide confirmed the city will post the ordinance and materials for board and commission liaisons to distribute training materials and acknowledgment forms. The council did not take disciplinary action at the meeting; the ordinance creates the process for future complaints and actions.
