CODE OF ETHICS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Reno Administrative Code tit. 2, ch. 2.20

in effect

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.110 Purpose and intent.

Sec. 2.20.110. - Purpose and intent. The city council hereby finds and declares as follows: (1) The people has a right to expect from the elected and appointed representatives at all levels of government assurances of the utmost integrity, honesty and fairness to be assured in their dealings. (2) The people further have a right to be assured to the fullest extent possible that the private financial dealings of their governmental representatives and of candidates for those offices, present no conflict of interest between the public trust and private gain. (3) The representative form of government is founded upon a belief that those entrusted with the offices of government have nothing to fear from full public disclosure of their business holdings as they pertain to the business before the city. To these ends, the city council hereby enacts this chapter. The city council hereby intends to sustain, to the extent necessary, public confidence in government at all levels, by assuring the people of the impartiality of their officials in all governmental transactions and decisions. The provisions of this chapter are to be construed liberally to the end that the public interest be fully protected. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.120 Definitions.

Sec. 2.20.120. - Definitions. For purposes of this chapter certain words and phrases are defined and certain provisions shall be construed as hereinafter set forth unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended. Whenever any words and phrases used in this chapter are not defined in this section but are defined in the state laws regulating such matters, any such definition therein is deemed to apply to such words and phrases used in this chapter. Business entity means any corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, sole proprietorship (including a private consultant operation), syndicate, joint venture, unincorporated association or firm, institution, trust, foundation or any other organization whether or not organized for profit. Business entity does not include local, state or federal agencies or political subdivisions. Campaign contributions means all donations of money, subscriptions, services in kind, pledges, loans, conveyances, deposits, payments, transfers, distributions of money or anything of economic value from all sources. "Service in kind" means any donation of materials or professional services which would otherwise require payment, the name of any individual who solicits funds on behalf of a candidate and the name of any individual who volunteers more than ten hours of their time to the candidate's campaign. Campaign expenditure means any and all expenditures, whether paid for directly, provided as an in-kind service or gift, contracted for or made for advertising on television, radio, billboards, posters and in newspapers, and all other expenditures, disbursed from the campaign account or contracted for or made to further direct the campaign of the candidate. Candidate: For the purpose of this chapter, includes any individual seeking election or appointment as a public officer as defined below in this section: (1) Who files an affidavit of candidacy; or (2) Who files an affidavit to fill a vacancy for the position of a public officer. City means City of Reno and Redevelopment Agency. Confidential information means all information whether transmitted verbally or in writing, which of such a nature that it is not, at the time, a matter of public record or public knowledge. Family members means persons bearing the following relationships to the individual in question: (1) Parents; (2) Grandparents; (3) Great grandparents; (4) Children; (5) Grandchildren; (6) Great grandchildren; (7) Brothers and sisters; (8) Nephews and nieces; (9) First cousins; (10) Spouses; (11) Aunts and uncles. Gift means anything of economic value in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) but not including campaign contributions or gifts from a family member. Interest, except as otherwise specifically provided, means direct pecuniary or other benefit accruing to a public officer, public appointee or city employee. For purposes of this chapter, a public officer, public appointee or city employee shall be deemed to have an interest in the business or affairs of (1) his or her spouse, child, or other family members; (2) any person or business entity with whom a contractual or business relationship exists with his or her spouse, child, or other family member; (3) any business entity in which his or her spouse, child, or other family member is an officer, director, member or employee; and (4) any business in which his or her spouse, child, or other family member controls or owns, directly or indirectly, one percent or more of the total outstanding stock. Knowing or knowingly or knows means actual knowledge and "should have reasonably known" and such knowledge shall apply to and be imputed to the public officer, public appointee or city employee from his or her spouse and children. Official act or action means any legislative, administrative, appointive or discretionary act of a public officer, public appointee or city employee of the city, board, committee or commission thereof. Public appointee means any person appointed by a public officer to serve on any board, agency or commission charged with the responsibility of advising, recommending or setting policy. Public officer means the mayor, city council members, city attorney, municipal courts judges, and planning commission members. Real property means any interest in or option to purchase any interest in any real property in the Truckee Meadows, City of Reno and its spheres of influence, but not including the home in which the public officer resides. Truckee Meadows, City of Reno and its spheres of influence means that area bounded generally by Virginia City-Mount Rose Highways on the south, Verdi and U.S. forest lands on the west, Reno city (Stead) limits on the north and Vista on the east. Trust means a legal title of property held by one party, the trustee, for the benefit of another, the beneficiary. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95; Ord. No. 5729, § 14, 9-14-05)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.130 General requirements.

Sec. 2.20.130. - General requirements. The following ethical standards are hereby established to govern the conduct of public officer[s], public appointees and city employees: (1) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not seek or accept any gift, service, favor, employment, engagement, emolument or economic opportunity which would tend improperly to influence a reasonable person in his or her position to depart from the faithful and impartial discharge of his public duties. (2) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not use his or her position in government to secure or grant unwarranted privileges, preferences, exemptions or advantages for him or herself, any family member, any business entity, or any other person. (3) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not participate as an agent of government in the negotiation or execution of a contract between the city and any person or business entity in which he or she has an interest. (4) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not accept any salary, retainer, gift, augmentation, expense allowance or other compensation from any private source for the performance of his or her public duties. (5) A public officer, public appointee or city employee acquires, through his or her public duties or relationships, any information which by law is not at the time available to people generally, he or she shall not use the information to further the interests of him or herself or any other person or business entity. (6) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not suppress any governmental report or other document because it might tend to affect unfavorably his or her interests. (7) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not use governmental time, property, equipment or other facility for a nongovernmental purpose or to benefit his or her interests. This subsection does not prohibit: (a) A limited use of governmental property, equipment or other facility for personal purpose if: (1) The public officer who is responsible for and has authority to authorize the use of such property, equipment or other facility has established a policy allowing the use or the use is necessary as a result of emergency circumstances; (2) The use does not interfere with the performance of his public duties; (3) The cost or value related to the use is nominal; and (4) The use does not create the appearance of impropriety. (b) The use of mailings lists, computer data or other information lawfully obtained from a governmental agency which is available to members of the general public for nongovernmental purposes; or (c) The use of telephones or other means of communication if there if not a special charge for that use. If the city incurs a cost as a result of a use that is authorized pursuant to this subsection or would ordinarily charge a member of the general public for the use, the public officer or employee shall promptly reimburse the cost or pay the charge to the city. (8) A public officer or city employee shall not attempt to benefit his or her personal or financial interest through the influence of a subordinate. (9) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not seek other employment or contracts through the use of his or her official position. (10) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not receive or acquire an interest in or an interest affected by a contract, transaction, land use decision or other matter at a time when such person knows the interest will be directly affected by an official act or action of the city. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95; Ord. No. 4781, § 1, 8-26-97)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.140 Additional standards.

Sec. 2.20.140. - Additional standards. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) or (c), a public officer or public appointee may vote upon a matter if the benefit or detriment accruing to him or her as a result of the decision, either individually or in a representative capacity as a member of a general business, profession, occupation or group, is not greater than that accruing to any other member of the general business, profession, occupation or group. (b) In addition to the requirements of section 2.20.130, a public officer shall not vote upon or advocate the passage or failure of a matter with respect to which the independence of judgment of a reasonable person in his or her situation would be materially affected by: (1) His or her acceptance of a gift or loan; (2) His or her pecuniary interest; or (3) His or her commitment in a private capacity to the interests of others. It shall be presumed that the independence of judgment of a reasonable person would not be materially affected by his or her pecuniary interest or his or her commitment in a private capacity to the interests of others where the resulting benefit or detriment accruing to him or her or to the other person whose interests to which the member is committed in a private capacity is not greater than that accruing to any other member of the general business, profession, occupation or group. (c) A public officer, public appointee or city employee shall not approve, disapprove, vote, abstain from voting, or otherwise act upon any matter: (1) Regarding which he or she has accepted a gift or loan; (2) Which would reasonably be affected by his commitment in a private capacity to the interest of others; or (3) In which he or she has a pecuniary interest, without disclosing the full nature and extent of the gift, loan, commitment or interest. Such a disclosure must be made at the time the matter is considered. Such a disclosure must be made at the time the matter is considered. If the public officer, public appointee or city employee is a member of a body which makes decisions, he or she shall make the disclosure in public to the chairperson and other members of the body. (d) If a public officer declares to the governmental body in which the vote is to be taken that he or she will abstain from voting because of the requirements of this section, the necessary quorum to act upon and the number of votes necessary to act upon the matter, as fixed by any statute, ordinance or rule, is reduced as though the member abstaining were not a member of the body or committee. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95; Ord. No. 4781, § 2, 8-26-97; Ord. No. 4896, § 1, 7-14-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.150 Advisory opinions.

Sec. 2.20.150. - Advisory opinions. (a) When any public officer, public appointee or city employee has a doubt as the applicability of any provision of this chapter to a particular situation or as to the definition of terms used herein, such officer, appointee or employee may apply to the city attorney for a formal opinion. The officer, appointee or employee shall have the opportunity to present his or her interpretation of the facts at issue and the applicability of provisions of the ordinance before such formal opinion is made. The city attorney may, where appropriate, refer the matter to the state ethics commission, the district attorney's office or to outside counsel if necessary. (b) Such opinion, until amended or revoked, shall be binding on the city, the city council and the city attorney in any subsequent actions concerning the public officer, appointee or employee who sought the opinion and acted on it in good faith, unless material facts were omitted or misstated in the request for a formal opinion. Such opinion shall not be binding in any action initiated by any private citizen. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.160 Enforcement.

Sec. 2.20.160. - Enforcement. (a) The city attorney shall have the primary responsibility for enforcement of this chapter. The city attorney shall have the power to investigate any complaint, to initiate corrective action and to recommend any other appropriate action on behalf of the city where it believes such action is appropriate. (b) The city council may direct the city attorney's office to investigate or prosecute, through the city attorney, any apparent violation of this chapter or the council may employ or appoint any qualified attorney to investigate or prosecute any violation or series of violations by one or more persons of this chapter consistent with the provisions of the Reno City Charter. (c) Any person who believes that a violation of any portion of this chapter has occurred may file a complaint with the city attorney's office which may thereafter proceed as provided for under section 2.20.160 and 2.20.170. However, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent complainants from filing a complaint with the state ethics commission or instituting direct legal action through the appropriate judicial authority. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.170 Violations and penalties.

Sec. 2.20.170. - Violations and penalties. (a) When a public officer or a candidate violates a provision of this chapter or fails to file any statement required under this chapter, or when such statement appears to be in violation of any provision of this chapter, the city clerk shall send written notice to such candidate or public officer for the purpose of obtaining compliance herewith, or a corrective or completion of such statement. (1) If the city clerk is unable, within ten days following such notification, to obtain compliance, the clerk shall file a complaint with the city attorney. (b) Any candidate or public officer who fails to file the statements required under this chapter or refuses to correct or complete such statements is guilty of a misdemeanor. (c) Any public officer who willfully and knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be punishable [punished] by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00. (d) Any public officer who willfully and knowingly violates this chapter shall also be subject to removal from office pursuant to section 3.150 of the charter of the city. (e) Any contract, transaction, land use decision or other matter which was the subject of an official act or action of the city which involved the violation of the provision of this chapter shall be reconsidered at the next regular council meeting after discovery and shall be voidable at the option of the council. (f) Any city employee who willfully and knowingly violates this chapter may be subject to removal by his or her appointing authority. (g) Any candidate or public officer who willfully or knowingly falsifies any statement required under the provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. (h) Any public appointee who wilfully and knowingly violates this chapter shall be subject to immediate removal by his or her appointing public officer. (i) Where the violation of the provisions of this chapter is threatened or has occurred, the city attorney, district attorney's office or special prosecutor, as may be required, may bring a civil action or proceeding at law or in equity for a judgment enjoining the violation of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.180 Disclosure; public officers and candidates.

Sec. 2.20.180. - Disclosure; public officers and candidates. (a) Filing by Mayor, Council Members, and City Attorney. The mayor, each member of the city council, and the city attorney shall file an annual financial disclosure statement with the secretary of state under penalty of perjury no later than January 15 as required by NRS. ch. 281. (b) Filing by candidate. Each candidate for any city elective office shall file a candidate financial disclosure statement with the secretary of state under penalty of perjury no later than ten days after the close of candidate filing for the office as required by NRS. ch. 281. (c) Appointive Officer. Every appointive officer shall file an annual financial disclosure statement with the secretary of state under penalty of perjury no later than January 15 and a new appointment financial disclosure statement under penalty of perjury no later than 30 days after his or her appointment as required by NRS. ch. 281. As used in this subsection, "appointive officer" has the meaning ascribed to it in Reno City Charter Section 1.0126. (d) Municipal court judges. Every City of Reno Municipal Court Judge shall file with the city clerk an annual financial disclosure statement under penalty of perjury no later than January 15 covering the preceding calendar year. Every candidate for City of Reno Municipal Court Judge shall file with the city clerk a candidate financial disclosure statement under penalty of perjury no later than ten days after the close of candidate filing covering the preceding calendar year and January 1 of the year in which the election for the office will be held and the last day of candidate filing. The financial disclosure statements required by this subsection shall be on forms prescribed by the city clerk and shall require the disclosure of the same information and contents as the financial disclosure statements required by NRS. ch. 281. (e) Additional candidate disclosures. In addition to disclosures required by subsections (a) through (d) herein, each candidate for any city elective office shall disclose the following information with the city clerk at the time at which he or she files for candidacy: (1) Whether the candidate has ever been convicted of a felony during the last 15 years. If yes, an explanation of the circumstances. (2) Whether the candidate has filed bankruptcy within the last seven years or has been subject to a debt collection judgment in federal, state or local court within the last three years. (3) Whether the candidate has been subject to a judgment for child support arrearages within the last three years. (4) The names and addresses of boards and commissions the candidate presently serves on except for any and all boards and commissions a candidate is appointed to by the city council. (f) [Compliance with applicable provisions.] In addition to the provisions of this section, the mayor, each member of the city council, the city attorney, appointive officers and candidates for city elective office must comply with the applicable provisions of NRS. ch. 281. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95; Ord. No. 6435, § 1, 8-9-17)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.190 Campaign contributions and expenditures; reports required.

Sec. 2.20.190. - Campaign contributions and expenditures; reports required. (a) Every candidate for city office at a primary or general election shall report all campaign contributions and expenses on forms prescribed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury within such time frames and covering such periods as may be required by NRS ch. 294A. (b) Every candidate for city office at a special election to fill a vacancy or a special election to determine whether a public officer will be recalled shall report his or her campaign contributions and expenses on forms prescribed and provided by the Nevada Secretary of State and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury within such time frames and covering such periods as may be required by NRS ch. 294A. (c) The mayor and each member of the city council shall report all contributions received during every year other than the year in which the general election is held for their respective office on forms prescribed and provided by the city clerk and signed by the mayor or member under penalty of perjury. The reports required by this subsection are in addition to the reports required of the mayor and each member of the city council by NRS ch. 294A. The reports required by this subsection shall be filed with the city clerk pursuant to time frames and deadlines as determined by resolution approved by the city council. As used in this subsection, "contribution" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 294A.007. (d) In addition to the provisions of this section, candidates for city elective office must comply with the applicable provisions of NRS ch. 294A. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95; Ord. No. 5318, § 1, 3-26-02; Ord. No. 6435, § 2, 8-9-17)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.200 Distribution of code of ethics ordinance.

Sec. 2.20.200. - Distribution of code of ethics ordinance. The city clerk shall cause a copy of this code of ethics ordinance to be distributed to every public officer or candidate as soon as possible after enactment of this chapter. Each public officer shall be furnished a copy before entering upon the duties of his office or employment. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95)

Reno Administrative Code § 2.20.210 Severability.

Sec. 2.20.210. - Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this chapter or any part thereof. The city council of the City of Reno, Nevada, hereby that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared unconstitutional invalid or ineffective. (Ord. No. 4506, § 1, 4-25-95)

Source: City of Reno, Nevada, Administrative Code, City Charter and Annexation and Land Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/reno/codes/administrative_code?nodeId=PT2READCO_TIT2AD_CH2.20COETPUOFFetched: 11/1/2026