Updated ethics code will pass, in time

By Derek Liebig

The town of Granville will have to follow a convoluted process to pass an updated code of ethics.

Before the new code can be approved the town will have to hold a series of public hearings and meetings, town attorney Mike Catalfimo said, because the current code was passed as an ordinance.

The first step is to adopt an ordinance that repeals the 1970 ordinance that established the current code.

That will require a public hearing and publication of a legal notice in the town’s official newspaper, The Granville Sentinel.

Following the public hearing, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12, the town can pass the ordinance repealing the old code of ethics. That ordinance would then be published as a legal notice and after 10 days would take effect. At that point the town would be able to approve the new code of ethics.

Catalfimo told board members that ordinances are seldom used to pass laws anymore because they are so “cumbersome” and expensive.

“Ordinances have to be published in full in newspapers and because of this aren’t used as much,” Catalfimo said.

He said resolutions provide much more flexibility but are inadequate to repeal an ordinance.

The town has been working on a new code of ethics for several months. The current code doesn’t contain everything the state says it should, officials said.

“This will bring us into compliance with the state,” Hicks said.

The 14-page document defines a code of conduct for town officers and employees. The policy prohibits officials and employees from using their position for personal gain, from receiving gifts as a result of their position and from using town property for personal reasons.

The policy also establishes a board of ethics and sets terms limits for those members.
Hicks said the earliest the new code could take effect is March 3.