Ethics Ordinance

In 2008, the City-County Council adopted Mayor Ballard's ethics reform proposal, which included sensible limits on gifts, honoraria, political activity, patronage, nepotism, the use of city-county property for non-business purposes and excess compensation for performing official duties. The Ethics Code also includes provisions to prevent conflicts of interests in voting and contracting. Perhaps most importantly, “whistleblower” protection has been instituted so that employees who report suspected violations of the ethics code will not fear retribution. Key changes were also made to the Gift rule. The old $250 annual maximum allowance has been lowered to $25 per gift and an annual maximum of $100. Additionally, a broader scope of individuals are required to file an annual Economic Statements of Interest, and Economic Statements of Interest for all city and county elected officials are now required to be available online for public inspection. (See below). The ethics reform also requires that OCC train all new and existing appointees and employees on the new ethics code, the Open Door Law, and the Public Records Act.