Boyle County Ethics Commission to Hold Quarterly Meeting on Jan. 15

Published 3:09 pm Monday, January 13, 2025

josely.labarrere@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

The Boyle County Ethics Commission is scheduled to hold its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Boyle County Fiscal Court Room at the county courthouse. The meeting is set to proceed, weather permitting, and will cover a range of topics related to ethics oversight in local government.

The agenda includes several items of both old and new business, as well as an election of officers for the coming term. The meeting will open with a call to order, invocation, and a welcome from the chair, followed by an acknowledgment of visitors in attendance.

Old business items on SOFI filings and ethics training

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Among the key old business items to be discussed is the ongoing management of the county’s Statement of Financial Interests (SOFI) filings. Bill Nichols, the county’s director of IT, will provide an update on the status of the SOFI 2025 online system, while Joe Myers and Julie Wagner will present an update on the 2023 filings.

Joe Myers is also expected to report on the availability of online ethics training for the public. Additionally, Casey McCoy will address retention and destruction policies related to past SOFI records. The commission plans to enter an executive session under KRS 61.810 (1)(f), led by Vice Chair Sheila Kavanaugh, to discuss personnel matters.

New business focuses on open records and enforcement procedures

New business topics will focus heavily on open records issues, specifically regarding Section 18A of the ethics code, which raises questions about when the SOFI filing requirement ends for former employees or officials. The commission will also consider adding new language to the complaint form to address violations involving material false statements under Section 30H(3) of the ethics code.

Additional updates on the enforcement of SOFI filings for the end of 2023 and procedures for 2024 will be discussed, with Myers and Wagner presenting potential alternatives for the SOFI review process.

The commission will also hold an election of officers during the meeting.

Public transparency and ethics oversight

The Boyle County Ethics Commission is responsible for promoting transparency and ethical conduct among local government officials and employees. The SOFI filings, which require officials to disclose financial interests, are a key tool in preventing conflicts of interest in public service.

During the meeting, the commission will review and approve or reject SOFI forms for 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to observe the commission’s work in ensuring ethical compliance within Boyle County government.

The next quarterly meeting of the commission is expected to be scheduled, along with any potential special meetings that may be necessary.

For more information on ethics procedures and public access to records, the commission encourages residents to stay informed through local government channels.

The meeting is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to attend.