Title
Ordinance amending the Lake County Ethics Ordinance.
staff summary
• Since March, the Ethics Committee has reviewed applicable Illinois State law and ordinances from other counties regarding ethics.
• At its May meeting, the Ethics Committee recommended approval of an ordinance regulating the ethical conduct of County Board members and employees.
• Attached is the recommended ordinance.
Body
LAKE COUNTY ETHICS ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, on May 11, 2004, this County Board adopted the Lake County Ethics Ordinance in accordance with the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (Public Act 93-615, effective November 19, 2003, as amended by Public Act 93-617, effective December 9, 2003), regulating ethical conduct, political activities and the solicitation and acceptance of gifts by State Officials and employees; and
WHEREAS, the Ethics Ordinance requires Lake County elected and appointed officials and employees to comply with regulations contained therein; and
WHEREAS, the Ethics Ordinance imposes penalties for violations of its regulations; and
WHEREAS, the amended Ethics Ordinance provides for the State’s Attorney’s Office to conduct investigations and prosecute violators in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court; and
WHEREAS, because the Ethics Ordinance provides for the imposition of significant penalties for violations of said local regulations, it is necessary to adopt the required regulations by Ordinance rather than Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the attached Ethics Ordinance be adopted.