§ 2-76. Duties and powers.

The board of ethics shall have the following duties and powers:

(1)

To establish any procedures, rules and regulations governing its internal organization and conduct of its affairs, including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings as needed.

(2)

To receive and hear complaints of violations of standards required by this ethics code.

(3)

To make investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated this ethics code, but only after the affirmative vote of at least four members of the ethics board have voted to conduct the investigation.

(4)

To take such action as provided in this ethics code as deemed appropriate because of any violation of this ethics code.

(5)

To make proposals or recommendations to the board of commissioners for the adoption of any revisions or amendments to this ethics code.

(6)

To perform any other function authorized by this ethics code.

(7)

To issue advisory opinions as provided in this division.

(8)

To cause subpoenas to be served upon any person or persons, whether resident or nonresident of the county, requiring the attendance of such person or persons before the ethics board to offer testimony, documentary or other evidence for an investigation, investigatory review, or hearing. The board shall have the power to require the production of such evidence as may be necessary to enable the board to carry out its duties. The board shall also have the right to provide for discovery in the same manner as courts of record of this state have the right to require discovery. When a subpoena is issued and served, such subpoena may be enforced pursuant to the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-13-13, as amended. Such subpoena power shall be limited to the board and its legal counsel and is not subject to the request of any party.

(Ord. of 11-14-89, § 116; Ord. of 7-23-91; Ord. of 10-11-94; Code 1977, § 3-20-46(c); Amd. of 7-28-15)