Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 230.04, FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT; REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO AUTHORIZE DIRECT PAYMENT TO THE OHIO ETHICS COMMISSION OF ANNUAL FILING FEES ON BEHALF OF ELECTED OFFICIALS.
Executive Summary: Elected municipal officials must file annual Financial Disclosure Statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission. Section 230.04 of the Codified Ordinances provides legal authority for the City to use public funds to pay the filing fees by reimbursing the Mayor and Council members. This Ordinance will amend current language to allow for a more efficient payment method and to reflect current practices.
Body
Legislative History
Ordinance No. 99-2, authorized the City to use public funds to reimburse elected officials for annual financial disclosure filing fees, passed January 6, 1999.
Purpose & Explanation
Elected municipal officials must file annual Financial Disclosure Statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission. Pursuant to Section 230.04 of the Codified Ordinances, the City has the legal authority to use public funds to pay filing fees on behalf of elected officials:
"The Manager is hereby authorized and directed to reimburse the Mayor and each member of Council the fee to file the Financial Disclosure Statement with the Ohio Ethics Commission upon receipt of a copy of each person's check to the Ohio Ethics Commission."
The Ohio Ethics Commission has implemented a process by which the City can opt-in to prepay annual financial disclosure filing fees. This Ordinance will amend the Code to provide a more efficient payment method, with the City directly paying the Ohio Ethics Commission, for the annual filing fees on behalf of elected officials, which has been the practice in recent years. In addition, the Ordinance establishes that elected officials are personally responsible for any late fees that may be incurred, which has been the practice of the City.
Timing Considerations
No...
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