Bills Proposed in State Senate Would Establish Oversight for DeKalb Government

State lawmakers are examining a pair of bills which would overhaul oversight in DeKalb County governance.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, S.B. 118 and S.B. 120 would set up independent ethics and audit officers, and place tighter reins on county contracts with private businesses.

S.B. 118 proposes a a revamped code of ethics for the county, which would impose stricter rules on conduct between county officials and public business interests in an effort to stamp out corruption and shady deals. County officials would be barred from becoming involved with private interests that could benefit from contracts with county government, could not use their influence or position to directly benefit themselves or another, and would be required to strenuously report any actual or perceived conflicts of interest to a new Board of Ethics of DeKalb County.

The bill also proposes creation of the Board of Ethics of DeKalb County, a seven-member body which would provide official advice to, “officials or employees who seek advice as to whether a particular course of conduct would constitute a violation of the standards,” the language of the bill states. The board will consist of a DeKalb County attorney, a member of the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, a member chosen by the DeKalb County legislative delegation, a member chosen by the county probate judge, a member chosen by Leadership DeKalb, one member chosen by the six colleges in DeKalb County, and one member chosen by the chief judge of the superior court. Each member would serve without pay.

SB. 118 will also create an Ethics Officer for the county, who will be responsible for “[e]ducating and training all city officials and employees to have an awareness and understanding of the mandate for and enforcement of ethical conduct and advising them of the provisions of the code of ethics of DeKalb County,” assisting with disclosure statements, and regularly meeting with the Board of Ethics. The officer must be a practicing lawyer with at least five years’ experience.

S.B. 120 would require the county to ask for and receive sealed bids on any county purchases over $50,000 and require the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to approve any contracts worth more than $100,000. Vendors would be limited to one county contract per year without Commission approval, and subdividing large contracts into smaller sub-contracts in an effort to avoid the Commission would be prohibited and would be immediately voided.

Read both pieces of legislation in full below.

SB118

SB120