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Committee approves rewrite of Chapter 90 (code of ethics) and asks staff to improve disclosure process
Summary
The committee voted to forward an ordinance that repeals and recreates Chapter 90 of the county code to the full board; the rewrite adds Department of Revenue subpoena language for conflict-of-interest complaints, tightens complainant burden wording and allows respondents to request county-provided counsel when acting within official duties.
Heather presented the revised ordinance that would repeal and recreate Chapter 90 (the county code of ethics). She said the draft incorporated technical edits and new language, including Department of Revenue authority to obtain financial documents under subpoena for conflict-of-interest complaints and changing subjective language so a complainant "alleges" rather than "believes" a conflict exists. She also said evidence rules were adjusted to mirror the board rules discussed earlier and that respondents may request county-provided legal representation if the official was acting within the scope of official duties.
Supervisors reviewed the draft line-by-line for typos, order of elective officials in a category and the scope of prohibitions on political activity. Heather said the template language mostly came from the Wisconsin Counties Association and staff would screen complaints to ensure they meet code criteria before moving forward. After limited discussion, a motion to approve forwarding the ordinance to the full county board was made, seconded and carried. In related discussion, the committee directed staff to make disclosure collection an annual process so supervisors' financial disclosures reflect current circumstances rather than only when first seated.
