Amherst County officials consider ethics code

It’s a policy that may or may not come to fruition in Amherst County, based on officials’ mixed reaction.

At tonight’s meeting in Madison Heights, the Board of Supervisors should find out where the public stands on a proposed county ethics code during a 7 p.m. hearing.

Supervisors for most of the year have reviewed the document’s proposed language urging officials and members of county boards, commissions and committees to “assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its fair and effective operation.”

Chairman Leon Parrish said in a recent phone interview the code is intended as a model to guide the county and “keep us in line.”

During a board meeting in July, several supervisors raised concerns with its governing language and possible effects if adopted.

Vice Chairman Chris Adams said he felt the code is trying to do much in one document and questioned how appointed members of county boards and commissions would feel about it. Adams said he didn’t want to see it pass as “knee-jerk” reaction to public criticism. The board has faced some citizens’ disapproval over the controversial departure of Rodney Taylor, the former county administrator who resigned in April.

If the board adopts the policy, then a second hearing would be required to incorporate it into the Amherst County code.

The board is also set to go into closed session tonight to continue its discussions on hiring a new county administrator.