City Named 'Certified City of Ethics' by the Georgia Municipal Association

Published:  07-01-2005

Flowery Branch was one of eleven Georgia cities which received the "Certified City of Ethics" designation at the GMA's Annual Convention in Savannah on June 28. There are now 148 cities in Georgia which have received the designation. The cities of Braselton, Centerville, East Point, Euharlee, Flowery Branch, Greensboro, Helen, McDonough, St. Marys, Savannah and Waycross are the latest additions to the program, which is now in its fifth year. 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 ethics ordinance.

The ordinance guides city officials' conduct in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interest and outside employment. It 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," said GMA Executive Director Jim Higdon. "That more than 100 cities have taken this step indicates that cities in Georgia are committed to honest, ethical government. I am extremely pleased that cities have taken the lead on earning and maintaining the public's trust in government."

A panel of attorneys reviews the ordinances to determine if they comply with the criteria set by GMA. The cities receive a plaque and are authorized by GMA to use a "Certified City of Ethics" logo on city stationery, road signs, vehicles and other official uses.