Council adopts local code of ethics after heated debate, 5–4

Isle of Palms City Council approved a local code of ethics on second reading after a prolonged debate that divided members 5–4.

Opponents argued the draft largely restates state law and introduces vague, potentially weaponizable standards. “I kinda struggle with this one…creating a law that says follow the law just doesn't make sense,” a council member said during the discussion, criticizing repetitive language and ambiguous enforcement standards. He urged referral to a committee for line-by-line cleanup and said several provisions read as “window dressing.”

Proponents countered that the ordinance addresses gaps left by the South Carolina Ethics Act—areas such as member civility, decorum, social media use and interference with boards—that the state statute does not cover. One council member said the measure establishes a fair review process via an independent hearing officer and “protects the complainant, the respondent, the city attorney and the integrity of the council.”

The ordinance package included an affidavit form and a pre-vetted list of hearing officers, both of which the council approved at the meeting. A motion to refer the measure back to committee failed on a recorded division; council then moved forward and recorded the ordinance as passed by the council majority. The ordinance is recorded in the meeting materials as ordinance 20 26 0 5.

The council did not detail a public implementation timetable at the meeting; staff said related forms and processes are attached to the ordinance materials and will be used if complaints are filed.