Agenda Item # 6
Add-On
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting

12/5/2017

Agenda Report # 58


TO: Mayor and Council

SUBJECT: GMA Recertification City of Ethics Program

INITIATED BY: City Manager’s Office

Recommendation: Approval is requested to recertify as a “Certified City of Ethics” and if approved accept recognition from the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).

Background: The Columbus Consolidated Government first applied in December 2000 to become a Certified City of Ethics and was awarded the designation January 2001 and again in 2012. To remain certified, cities must recertify as a Georgia Certified City of Ethics. The purpose of this requirement is to make sure that the importance of ethical conduct in public service and the requirements of the city's ethics ordinance are brought to the attention of newly elected officials and regularly reinforced for incumbent officials. Additionally, recertification will provide the GMA Ethics Certification Committee with an opportunity to ensure that any changes to the city's ordinance since the original certification preserve the key element necessary for participation in the program.

The city of Columbus is strongly encouraging every member city to participate in the Certified City of Ethics Program, as opinion polls continue to indicate a low level of confidence in public officials. GMA believes participation in this program is a proactive step we can take to let our constituents know that we stand for an honest and ethical government.

Analysis: The CCG realizes that Certification under this program is a way to recognize cities that have adopted principles and procedures that offer guidance on ethical issues, along with a mechanism to resolve complaints at the local level.

Financial Considerations: There are no financial obligations imposed.

Legal Considerations: Council is the approving authority for all resolutions.

Recommendations/Actions: Approval is requested to apply for recertification and if approved accept recognition from the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) as a “Certified City of Ethics.”


A RESOLUTION

NO. ______


A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF COLUMBUS TO RE-CERTIFY AND IF APPROVED ACCEPT RECOGNITION FROM THE GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION AS A “CERTIFIED CITY OF ETHICS.”

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Georgia Municipal Association has established a Certified City of Ethics program; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, Georgia wishes to be re-certified as a Certified City of Ethics under the GMA Program; and,

WHEREAS, part of the certification process requires the Mayor and Council to subscribe to the ethics principles approved by the GMA Board, and

WHEREAS, during the General Election on November 6, 2012, the voters of Columbus/Muscogee County voted to approve two amendments to the Columbus Charter, Appendix Two – Code of Ethics and Prohibited Practices – Section 6 & 7.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, TO PROCEED WITH RE-CERTIFICATION AND IF APPROVED ACCEPT RECOGNITION FROM THE GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION AS A "CERTIFIED CITY OF ETHICS" AND FURTHER RECOGNIZE THAT AS A GROUP AND AS INDIVIDUALS, THE GOVERNING SUBSCRIBES TO THE FOLLOWING ETHICS PRINCIPLES AND PLEDGES TO CONDUCT ITS AFFAIRS ACCORDINGLY:

Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the _____ day of ________________, 2017 and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative vote of _________ members of said Council.


Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Baker voting __________.
Councilor Barnes voting __________.
Councilor Davis voting __________.
Councilor Garrett voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.


______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor