Ethics Board

 Filing a Complaint with the City of Fort Valley Ethics Board

The City of Fort Valley acknowledges the importance that “public servants be, and give the appearance of being, independent and impartial; public office not be used for private gain; and there be public confidence in the integrity of the mayor and city council” City Code of Ordinances Section 2-113

The City of Fort Valley Code of Ethics was created to encourage high ethical standards by city officials, to require disclosure of certain financial interest of city officials and to serve as a basis for discipline for behavior of covered officials  found to be at odds with the Code of Ethics.

Ethics Code Provisions Section 2-115 Standards of Conduct

No city official shall:

• Use such position to secure special privileges or exemptions for such person or others, or secure confidential information for any purpose other than official responsibilities;
• In any matter before the city council or board or commission in which he has a substantial interest, fail to disclose such interest prior to any discussion or vote;
• Directly or indirectly receive, or agree to receive, any compensation, gift, reward or gratuity in any matter or proceeding connected with, or related to, the duties of his office, except as may be provided by law;
• Enter into any contract with the city, except as specifically authorized by state statute. Any city official who has a proprietary interest in an agency doing business with the city shall make that interest known, in writing, to the city council;
• Use public funds in any manner, except in a manner which is for the general welfare of the people and not for personal economic gain;
• Grant or make available to any person any consideration, treatment, advantage or favor beyond that which it is the general practice to grant or make available to the public at large;
• By conduct, give a reasonable basis for the impression that any person can improperly influence him or unduly enjoy his favor in the performance of official acts.

How to File an Ethics Complaint

Any citizen desiring to file a complaint with the Ethics Board, based on behavior of the (i) the mayor; (ii) any member of the city council; or (iii) any other person appointed to represent the city on any board or commission believed to be in violation of Section 2-113 set forth above, may do so.

For information about filing an ethics complaint contact the current 2026  chairman of the Ethics Board listed below.

City of Fort Valley, Georgia Ethics Board
Stanley Willams, Ethic Board Chairman
Email Address:  swilliams@fortvalleyga.org