Corbin votes to get rid of newly reformed Ethics Board

Less than two months after Corbin City Commissioners voted to revive the city’s long dormant Ethics Board, city leaders now want to abolish it.

During a special called meeting of the city commission Wednesday morning, commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance to dissolve the board and turn jurisdiction over to the regional board operated through the Cumberland Valley Area Development District (CVADD).

CVADD spans eight counties in southeastern Kentucky including Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle and Whitley counties.

City and county officials within those eight counties work together to improve the life of the region’s citizens.

With Corbin turning to the CVADD Ethics Board, Corbn Mayor Willard McBurney said he will nominate someone to serve as

Corbin’s representative on the board. The Corbin City Commission must approve the mayor’s choice.

A second vote is needed to officially dissolve the city’s own ethics board.

Corbin’s Ethics Board was reactivated in January after six years. The move was made at the urging of new Commissioner Joe "Butch" White. White said at the time that he made the motion in order to bring Corbin in compliance with state regulations.
McBurney noted if the commissioners approve this ordinance, Corbin will remain in compliance with state regulations.
According to the city ordinance that created Corbin’s Ethics Board in 1994, the board has the right to investigate unethical conduct on its own, but is compelled to hold hearings and conduct inquiries over written complaints of misconduct submitted to its members. It can recommend disciplinary action to the Board of Commissioners including public reprimands, issues cease and desist orders and even dismissal or removal from office. The Board can also levy civil fines of up to $1,000 against violators and refer evidence of criminal violations to the County Attorney or Commonwealth’s Attorney.

McBurney said the CVADD’s Ethics Board will have similar duties.

In the event a local public official is brought before the ethics board, McBurney said board members from that county may rescuse themselves from the issue.

Corbin’s Ethics Board is comprised of three members, Corbin Presbyterian Church Pastor Rev. John Manon, Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church Minister Rev. Tim Thompson and Dianne Skinner.

McBurney said one of those three will likely represent Corbin on the CVADD Ethics Board.