Agenda Item # 2
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
11/13/2018
Agenda Report # 48
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 2017. 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 ________________, 2018 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 House voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
_________________________________ __________________________
Lindsey Glisson, Deputy Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Attachments
No attachments for this document.