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County Creates Ethics Commission

 (El Paso, TX)Tuesday, September 1, 2009- In a special session held this morning El Paso County Commissioners unanimously approved the creation of an Ethics Commission by November 2, 2009.
The creation of a 10-member body will oversee compliance of the County’s Ethics Code: one appointed by each member of Commissioner's Court, and 5 representatives from the public agencies dedicated to arbitration, human resources and legal services. The Court will select from slates submitted.
The new Ethics Code Legislation was approved by the 81st Texas Legislation and takes effect today.
Under the provision, the new legislation provides statutory authority and enhanced power to County to establish a County Board of Ethics and authorizes the newly-approved El Paso Ethics Commission to assess civil and criminal penalties for violations of the ethics code.
Some of the penalties contemplated in the proposed legislation include fines of up to $4,000 for violations, fines of up to $500 for County public servants (Elected County officials, County employees and agents), lobbyists and vendors who delay providing information to the Commission, and up to 3 months in jail for unauthorized destruction or release of confidential information.

Additionally, the members of the court directed the Human Resources Director to draft a letter to be sent by the County Judge inviting participation by selected entities.  (CC08-09-87)

 

Published Sep 01 2009, 02:28 PM by alazcano

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