Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

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:



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 ________________, 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

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