Carl, Statham recertified as ‘Cities of Ethics’

Statewide, 216 cities have earned this designation.

The City of Ethics program was developed in 1999. The purpose of the program is to encourage cities to adopt and adhere to a set of key ethical principles and adopt a local ethics ordinance.

The ordinance must contain definitions, prohibited conduct and due process for officials accused of violations in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interests and outside employment. The ordinance must also contain penalties for city officials who violate the ordinance.

Every four years, cities who have met the initial requirements to be listed as a “City of Ethics” must be recertified.

“There is a much stronger focus on ethics right now, and we’re pleased that cities have led the way on this important issue,” said GMA executive director Jim Higdon.

As part of the certification process, a panel of attorneys reviews city ethics ordinances to determine if they comply with the criteria set by GMA.

Once certified, cities received a plaque and are authorized by GMA to use a “Certified City of Ethics” logo on city stationery, road signs, city vehicles and for other uses.
This year, five Georgia cities - Blairsville, Dalton, Dunwoody, Lovejoy and Rochelle - were added to the list of “Cities of Ethics.”

In addition to Carl and Statham, Aragon, Blythe, Byron, Carnesville, Cave Spring, Cedartown, Covington, Good Hope, Hahira, Hampton, Harlem, Hawkinsville, Kennesaw, Morrow, Rome, St. Marys, Stone Mountain, Tybee Island and Winterville were recertified as Cities of Ethics.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities.