Agenda Item # 2
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
12/11/2012
Agenda Report # 128
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. GMA is now requiring cities to be recertified every four years.
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
(attached).
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
authority subscribes to the following ethics principles and pledges to conduct
its affairs accordingly;
Serve others, not ourselves
Use resources with efficiency and economy
Treat all people fairly
Use the power of our position for the well-being of our constituents
Create an environment of honesty, openness and integrity
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_____day of ________________, 2012 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 Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor McDaniel voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
_______________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
*As defined in GMA?s ?model Code of Ethics for Georgia City Officials,? dated
September 1999.
Attachments