Amherst supervisors review ethics code

Amherst County officials are reviewing a code of ethics policy that strives to “assure public confidence in the integrity of local government,” according to a draft version.

The Board of Supervisors, which has been a lightning rod for controversy in recent months after the resignation of former county administrator Rodney Taylor, has not yet adopted the ethics code. Members postponed action on it last month to further study the language, at the request of Vice Chairman Chris Adams.

Residents have criticized the board for conflicts that unfolded behind closed doors with Taylor, which were recently made public.

Chairman Leon Parrish said some behaviors of “the constituency and the supervisors” led to a drafting of the ethics code in recent months that reached supervisors before Taylor resigned on April 23.

The ethics code is intended not only for the board, but also for all of the county’s boards, commissions, committees and employees.

“We need it,” Parrish said in a recent phone interview. “It will govern the county and it will govern the supervisors … I feel like it would be something to guide us and keep us in line.”

According to the preamble, all county officials should comply with “the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the operations of government” and business should be conducted openly, unless legally confidential, in an “atmosphere of respect and civility.”

It urges officials to work for the “common good for the people of Amherst County” rather than for private interests and to display conduct that avoids “even the appearance of impropriety.”

Board members should refrain from “abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks” upon other board members, bodies, staff or citizens as well as avoid conflicts of interest and disclosing confidential information, according to the draft.

“Members shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive workplace environment for county employees and for citizens and businesses dealing with the county,” it states.

“We’ve got to talk to each other with respect,” Parrish added. “It’s about doing business professionally.”

The code is intended to be “self-enforcing” and its standards should be included in orientations for newly elected or appointed officials. Officials should sign it before taking office and annually review it in case updates are necessary, according to the draft.

“The Board of Supervisors may impose sanctions on members whose conduct does not comply with the county’s ethical standards,” it states. Examples include public or private reprimand, formal censure, loss of sonority or committee assignments or budget restrictions.

Where allowed by law, it states the board may remove members from appointed bodies for violations. The draft also states violations of the code should not be considered as a basis for challenging the validity of county decisions.

County Attorney J. Vaden Hunt advised the board last month that it should amend the Code of Amherst to reference it when adopting it.

Supervisors are likely to discuss the ethics code on July 21.

Meanwhile, the board met late Tuesday evening to discuss the procedures and process for selecting a new county administrator. The board was also scheduled to go into a closed session Tuesday to discuss individual applicants for the position, as well as “applicant specific interviewing issues, questions and techniques,” according to the meeting agenda.