At the February 12 meeting of the Henderson City Council, member Elissa Yount, Chair of the Journal Committee, gave the other Council members a copy of the ethics policy to consider.
The policy, properly titled A Resolution Verifying the Statutory Ethics Policies for the City of Henderson’s Elected Officials, Boards, and Committees restates an interprets various North Carolina General Statutes regarding the conduct of elected officials, public officers, and public employees.
Although members of boards such as the Zoning Board of Adjustment are paid only a nominal salary for the civic service they render, conflicts of interest may potentially arise. The resolution specifies what constitutes a conflict of interest and when public officers and elected officials must recuse themselves from voting or refrain from involving themselves in the negotiation or awarding of public contracts.
The policy also defines permissible political activity on the part of city employees.
Council members are expected to review the policy, suggest potential changes, and revisit the policy during the February 26 or March 12 meeting.