The Milton City Council is considering a measure that would obligate the city to pay the legal fees of city employees or officials who successfully defend themselves against ethics complaints.
The Council has directed the city attorney to prepare for public hearing an ordinance that would entitle the respondent, in a failed ethics case arising out of his or her official duties, reimbursement of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of up to $5,000 per complaint.
A respondent could request reimbursement if an allegation is voluntarily withdrawn or dismissed as unfounded by the city’s ethics panel or a superior court, according to the ordinance.
Separately, the Council approved a resolution allowing a $100 per idem allowance to members of its ethics panel for each meeting or hearing they are required to attend per city ordinance.
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