Fourteen Georgia cities — among them Flemington — received the “Certified City of Ethics” designation during the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention in Savannah on Tuesday.
There are now 189 cities in Georgia that have received the designation.
The voluntary program, developed by a panel of business and government leaders, encourages cities to adopt and adhere to a set of key ethical principles and a comprehensive model ethics ordinance. The ordinance guides city officials’ conduct in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interests and outside employment. The ordinance also contains strong penalty provisions — including public reprimands, fines and removal from office — for city officials who violate the ordinance.
“The ‘City of Ethics’ program recognizes cities that make a tangible commitment to ethical conduct,” GMA Executive Director Jim Higdon said. “We now have nearly 200 cities that have proven their commitment to honest, ethical government by adopting strong ethics ordinances. I am extremely pleased that cities have taken the lead on earning and maintaining the public’s trust in government.”
A panel of attorneys reviewed the ordinances to determine if they comply with the criteria set by GMA. The cities received plaques and are now authorized by GMA to use a “Certified City of Ethics” logo on city stationery, road signs, city vehicles and for other uses.
There are now 189 cities in Georgia that have received the designation.
The voluntary program, developed by a panel of business and government leaders, encourages cities to adopt and adhere to a set of key ethical principles and a comprehensive model ethics ordinance. The ordinance guides city officials’ conduct in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interests and outside employment. The ordinance also contains strong penalty provisions — including public reprimands, fines and removal from office — for city officials who violate the ordinance.
“The ‘City of Ethics’ program recognizes cities that make a tangible commitment to ethical conduct,” GMA Executive Director Jim Higdon said. “We now have nearly 200 cities that have proven their commitment to honest, ethical government by adopting strong ethics ordinances. I am extremely pleased that cities have taken the lead on earning and maintaining the public’s trust in government.”
A panel of attorneys reviewed the ordinances to determine if they comply with the criteria set by GMA. The cities received plaques and are now authorized by GMA to use a “Certified City of Ethics” logo on city stationery, road signs, city vehicles and for other uses.