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Putney Selectboard repeals local ethics policy and adopts investigation ordinance; public hearing set for May 14
Summary
The Selectboard voted to repeal the town's local Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest policy and to adopt a Code of Ethics Investigation & Enforcement Ordinance with edits; a public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for May 14, 2025. Town Clerk said required ethics training must be completed by Sept. 25, 2025.
The Putney Selectboard voted on April 16 to repeal the town's local Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest policy and to adopt a Code of Ethics Investigation & Enforcement Ordinance with edits and a public hearing scheduled for May 14, 2025.
Selectboard member Fletcher Proctor moved to repeal the local policy dated March 6, 2024 and to rely on applicable Vermont law; Rebecca "Bex" Slattery seconded the motion and it passed. Proctor also moved to adopt the proposed Code of Ethics Investigation & Enforcement Ordinance with changes discussed during the meeting and to hold a public hearing on May 14; that motion passed.
Town Clerk Jonathan Johnson told the board that certain people must complete required Ethics training by Sept. 25, 2025, and that the training system will report completion to the municipal ethics officer. During discussion, resident Howard Fairman raised specific drafting questions and suggested: designating whether more than one municipal ethics officer or body may receive complaints; changing the town name references to "Town of Putney" where appropriate; citing the definition of "public body" to 1 V.S.A. §310(6); and clarifying whether Rule 74 or Rule 75 should govern appeals. The board accepted edits and set the public hearing date.
The board did not publish a full redline of the ordinance at the meeting; the May 14 public hearing will provide formal public review and comment.
