Standards of Conduct

El Paso City Code tit. 2, ch. 2.92, art. II

in effect

El Paso City Code § 2.92.030 General provisions.

2.92.030 - General provisions. A. Officers or employees: 1. Shall not use their official positions improperly to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for themselves, relatives, or others. This provision does not preclude officers or employees from acting in any manner consistent with their official duties or from zealously providing public services to anyone who is entitled to them; 2. A city officer or employee shall not acquire an interest in, or be affected by, any contract, transaction, zoning decision, or other matter, if the official or employee knows, or has reason to know, that the interest will be directly or indirectly affected by impending official action by the city; 3. Shall not participate in making or influencing any city governmental decision or action in which they know that they have any financial interest distinguishable from that of the public generally or from that of other city officers or employees generally; 4. Shall not give reasonable basis by their conduct for the impression that any person can improperly influence, or unduly enjoy their favor in, the performance of their official duties, or that they are unduly affected by the kinship, rank, position or influence of any person; 5. Shall not use his or her position to secure official information about any person or entity for any purpose other than the performance of official responsibilities and duties; 6. Shall not use or disclose, other than in the performance of their official duties or as may be required by law, confidential information gained in the course of or by reason of their positions. This provision applies to former officers and employees as well as to current ones; 7. Shall not utilize city resources or by omission allow city resources to be utilized for personal benefit or the personal benefit of any other person or entity, except to the extent that the benefit received is strictly incidental to the performance of official duties, or to the extent that the person is entitled by law to obtain public services from the city; 8. Shall not transact any business (other than ministerial acts) on behalf of the city with any business entity of which they are officers, agents or members, or in which they have a financial interest. In the event such a circumstance arises, then they shall make known their interest, and: a. In the case of an officer, abstain from voting on the matter and refrain from discussion of the matter at any time with the other members of the body of which he or she is a member and with any other person or body in city government which may consider the matter; and b. In the case of an employee, disclose the matter to an appropriate administrative authority within city government so that reassignment or other suitable action may be taken to remove the employee from any further involvement in the matter; 9. Shall not personally provide services for compensation, directly or indirectly, to a person or organization who is requesting an approval, investigation, or determination from the body or department of which the officer or employee is a member. This restriction does not apply to outside employment of an officer if the employment is the officers primary source of income; 10. Shall not accept other employment or engage in outside activities incompatible with the full and proper discharge of their duties and responsibilities with the city, or which might impair their independent judgment in the performance of their public duty; 11. Shall not personally participate in a decision in a matter if the officer or employee is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment with a person or organization that has a financial interest in a matter under consideration by or within the jurisdiction of the city, and in the case of an employee if it has been determined by the city manager that a conflict of interest exists. For purposes of this section, the term "decision" shall mean a decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, investigation or rendering of advice, and the term "matter" shall include but not be limited to a matter, proceeding, application, request for ruling or determination, contract or claim which involves the city. In such instance, the officer or employee shall: a. In the case of an employee, immediately notify the official responsible for appointment to his or her position of the nature of the negotiation or arrangement and, if the city manager determines that a conflict of interest exists, follow the instructions of the city manager with regard to further involvement in the matter; or b. In the case of a board member, immediately notify the board of which he or she is a member of the nature of the negotiation or arrangement and: i. Refrain from discussing the matter at any time with other board members or members of the city council if the city council will also consider the matter; and ii. Abstain from voting on the matter; or c. In the case of a member of the city council, file an affidavit with the city clerk describing the nature of the negotiation or arrangement and: i. Refrain from discussing the matter at any time with other council members or members of a board that will consider the matter; and ii. Abstain from voting on the matter; 12. Shall not receive any fee or compensation for their services as officers or employees of the city from any source other than the city, except as may be otherwise provided by law. This shall not prohibit their performing the same or other services for a public or private organization that they perform for the city if there is no conflict with their city duties and responsibilities; 13. Shall not recklessly disregard the established practices or policies of the city relating to the duties assigned to the officer or employee; 14. Shall not, in the case of a member of the city council or an employee, personally represent or appear in behalf of the private interest of another before the city council, or any city board or department; or, if the represented person's interest is adverse to that of the city, represent any person: a. In any quasi-judicial proceeding involving the city; or b. In any judicial proceeding to which the city is a party; provided that nothing in this subsection shall preclude: i. A city council member from speaking or appearing without compensation before the city council or any board or department on behalf of constituents in the course of his or her duties as an elected official; ii. Any employee from performing the duties of his or her employment; iii. Any employee from appearing before the city council or any city board or department, in a manner consistent with other city policies and rules, to discuss any general city policies or public issues, including the presentation of viewpoints or petitions of other employees; or iv. A city council member or an employee from testifying as a witness under subpoena in a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding; and 15. Shall not, in the case of a board member, personally represent or appear in behalf of the private interests of another: a. Before the board of which he or she is a member; b. Before the city council unless the board member discloses his or her status as a board member to the council and the representation or appearance does not relate to a matter that was heard or decided by the board of which the board member is a member or a board that has appellate jurisdiction over the board of which the board member is a member; c. Before a board which has appellate jurisdiction over the board of which he or she is a member; or d. In a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding to which the city or an employee of the city is a party, if the interest of the person being represented is adverse to that of the city or an employee of the city and the subject of the proceeding involves the board on which the board member is serving or the department providing support services to that board. 16. An officer or employee shall not intentionally or knowingly assist or induce, or attempt to assist or induce, any person to violate the provisions in this chapter. (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021)

El Paso City Code § 2.92.040 Gifts.

2.92.040 - Gifts. A. An officer or employee shall not solicit, accept, or agree to accept for themselves or a relative, the following: 1. Any gift, of which the known or readily apparent value for each separate gift, exceeds seventy-five dollars in value; 2. Any gift that might reasonably tend to influence them to act improperly in the discharge of official duties, or reasonably tend to improperly reward official conduct; or 3. Any gift from any lobbyist registered under Chapter 2.94 of this Code, of which the known or readily apparent value for each separate gift exceeds ten dollars in value. B. Special applications. Subsection A above does not include: 1. Political contributions made or received and reported in accordance with the Texas Election Code; 2. Awards, such as plaques, certificates, trophies or personalized mementos, which are reasonable in light of the occasion and publicly presented in recognition of public service; 3. A gift from a relative or a personal, professional, or business relationship independent of the official status of the recipient; 4. Gifts or other tokens of recognition presented by representatives of governmental bodies or political subdivisions who are acting in their official capacities which are accepted for the city or in conjunction with the officeholder duties of an elected official; 5. Commercially reasonable loans made to an officer or employee in the ordinary course of the lender's business; 6. Reasonable hosting, including travel and expenses, entertainment, meals or refreshments furnished in connection with public events, appearances or ceremonies related to official city business, if furnished by the sponsor of such public event; or in connection with attending seminars or workshops, speaking engagements, teaching, or rendering other public assistance to an organization or another governmental entity; 7. An honorarium, transportation or lodging, the acceptance of which is not prohibited under Sections 36.07 and 36.08, Texas Penal Code; 8. A ticket or admission pass, regardless of the actual or face value of the ticket or admission pass, to an event that is sponsored or conducted by the city; 9. A ticket or admission pass, regardless of the actual or face value of the ticket or admission pass, to an event in which the officer or employee is participating in connection with official duties or in which the officer or employee is participating in connection with his spouse's or child's position or duties, provided that the receipt of such ticket is reported as a reportable gift if such reporting is required under Section 2.92.070 B.2. of this Code; and 10. Any solicitation for civil or charitable causes, or admission to a charity event provided by the sponsor of the event, where the offer is unsolicited by the officer or employee. 11. Items received that are of nominal value (less than ten dollars). (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021)

El Paso City Code § 2.92.050 Reporting requirements.

2.92.050 - Reporting requirements. A. Financial disclosure. 1. Each officer, excluding elected officials whose financial disclosure requirements are governed by City Charter, and each designated employee, shall file with the city clerk, within ten business days after the date of his appointment, selection or approval by the city council, a statement disclosing: a. Where, by whom and in what specific capacity that person is employed or self-employed; b. Membership on boards of directors of corporations, whether organized for profit or not; c. Partnership interests; and d. The name and address of any business in which the person has a financial investment, and in the case of mutual funds and other similar pooled investments, the name of the fund or investment. For purposes of this subsection, a financial investment shall not include funds on deposit with financial institutions such as checking and savings accounts, investments in United States savings bonds, and similar investments that earn simple, compounded or money-market interest rates; unless the person has previously been appointed to a position that requires the filing of a financial disclosure form and the person already has a current financial disclosure form on file with the city clerk. 2. Each person submitting a statement of financial disclosure required under this section shall utilize a form provided by the city clerk, which shall be signed and submitted in hard copy, or submitted electronically or by facsimile as may be provided by the city clerk. The form or submission process shall provide a means by which the submitter affirms his identity and the accuracy of the statements made therein. 3. No person submitting such a statement of financial disclosure must indicate therein the extent of financial involvement in any investments. 4. The members of the boards and commissions identified below and every designated employee shall thereafter file with the city clerk a financial disclosure statement, between June 1 st and June 30 th of each year while in office or employed by the city. Each person subject to this section shall file a revised financial disclosure form at any time in which the person changes his primary employment or has made changes in financial investments which cumulatively total more than thirty-five percent of the person's total investments. Those persons who have no changes to report regarding the information required to be reported, may, in lieu of filing a complete financial disclosure form, file a short form annual report, provided that they have filed a complete financial disclosure form within the previous five years. a. Building and standards commission. b. City plan commission. c. Civil service commission. d. Construction board of appeals. e. Ethics review commission. f. Historic landmark commission. g. Parks and recreation board. h. Public service board. i. Zoning board of adjustment. 5. Each candidate for elective office and each candidate for appointment to the boards and commissions identified or as a designated employee shall be provided with a notice of financial disclosure requirements at the time of application for such office or employment. 6. Each year, by August 15 th , the city clerk shall prepare a report noting whether each person, who is required to file a financial disclosure statement has done so as of the date of the city clerk's report. If the person has not filed their required financial disclosure statement upon the time the city clerk finished the report or the person fails to file their financial disclosure statement within fourteen days of their appointment and they do not already have a current financial disclosure statement on file, the city clerk shall send a written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, with a copy sent by regular mail, to the person to advise them that they have not filed a financial disclosure statement as required by this section and that they have fourteen days from the date of the letter to file his or her financial disclosure statement. If the person is a board member covered under Section 2.92.050(A)(9)(e), the city clerk will also advise the board member that the failure to timely file the financial disclosure statement will result in the automatic removal of that board member from his or her office. In the event of an unforeseen circumstance, including but not limited to, military service or acute illness or leave without pay under the Family Medical Leave Act, the deadline for receipt by the city clerk is extended until such time as the board member or employee resumes his or her city duties. 7. In the event that a designated employee that reports to the city manager, fails to file a required financial disclosure report, or had filed incomplete or unresponsive information by the deadlines calculated under Section 2.92.050(A)(1) of this section, the city clerk shall notify the individual that the matter is being forwarded to the city manager for appropriate action. 8. In the event that a board member fails to file his or her financial disclosure statement or has filed incomplete or unresponsive information by the deadlines calculated under Section 2.92.050(A)(1), (4), or (9) of this section, the following actions will be taken: a. In the event that the board member is a member of the civil service commission, the city clerk shall prepare and send a notice of the failure of the civil service commission member to file a financial disclosure statement to each member of the city council for their review and consideration regarding the possible removal of the civil service commission member from office in accordance with Section 6.1-10 of the City Charter. b. In the event that the board member is a member of the zoning board of adjustment, the city clerk shall prepare and send a notice of the failure of the zoning board of adjustment member to file a financial disclosure statement to each member of the city council for their review and consideration regarding the possible removal of the zoning board of adjustment member from office in accordance with Section 211.008, Texas Local Government Code. c. In the event that the board member is a member of the public service board other than the mayor, the city clerk shall prepare and send a notice of the failure of the public service board member to file a financial disclosure statement to each member of the city council for their review and consideration regarding the possible removal of the public service board member from office in accordance with the applicable removal provisions contained in any pertinent ordinance adopted by the city for the issuance of water or sewer revenue bonds. d. In the event that the board member is a member of the El Paso Housing Finance Corporation, the industrial development authority, or other similar corporation organized pursuant to state law, the city clerk shall prepare and send a notice of the failure of the board member to file a financial disclosure statement to each member of the city council for their review and consideration regarding the possible removal of the board member from office in accordance with the applicable removal provisions contained in any articles of agreement or bylaws of the corporation or statutory provisions. e. In the event that the board member is a member of any other city board subject to the requirement of this section, that board member shall be deemed removed from office without action or review by the city council. The city clerk shall prepare and send a notice of the removal to the board member and to the city council member who had appointed the board member. The removal shall be effective on the date that the notice is deposited in the United States mail or if not mailed, upon delivery to the board member. 9. The removal provision established in Section 2.92.050(A)(9)(e) of this section for the failure of a board member to file a financial disclosure statement shall be in addition to and shall be controlling over any other city ordinance or city council resolution that establishes procedures for the removal of board members. 10. Financial disclosure reports are open records subject to the Texas Open Records Act, and shall be maintained in accordance with the Local Government Records Act. B. Reporting of gifts. 1. Each officer and designated employee shall keep a written record of all reportable gifts received during his or her term of office or employment. 2. Such record shall be made for each calendar month. The record shall include a description of the reportable gift received; the name of the person and organization giving the reportable gift; the relationship of the donor to the reporter; the value or estimated value of the reportable gift; and the immediate or intended disposition of the reportable gift. A reportable gift consisting of a certificate or admission ticket or pass to a future event or activity shall be deemed to have been received on the date on which the certificate or admission ticket or pass was received, and if such certificate or admission ticket or pass must be reported under subsection (B)(4)(d), a statement as to the duties performed. 3. Such monthly record shall be submitted to the city clerk on the form she provides no later than the tenth day of the following month for each month during which a reportable gift is received. 4. "Reportable gifts" for purposes under this section shall mean the following: a. Any gift that is not covered by the special applications under Section 2.92.040 B of this Code, has a value of more than ten dollars, and was conferred on account of the official status of the recipient or in connection with official city business, except as provided below in subsections b, c and d; b. Any hosting, such as travel and expenses, entertainment, meals or refreshments, that has a value of more than fifty dollars, other than hosting provided on account of kinship or a personal, professional, or business relationship independent of the official status of the recipient; c. Any award presented in recognition of public service, or an honorarium, with a value of more than fifty dollars; and d. Any tickets or other admission passes to an event with an actual or face value of more than ten dollars for all tickets or admission passes to the same event received at the same time, except for tickets or admission passes provided by the city for an event that is sponsored or conducted by the city. 5. Any gift, benefit, hosting, honorarium or other economic gain or economic advantage that is refused and returned to the sender within seventy-two hours of receipt shall not constitute a reportable gift under this section. 6. Any gift which exceeds seventy-five dollars in value, which is not covered by the special applications under Section 2.92.040 B of this Code and which is turned over to the city manager within seventy-two hours of receipt for acceptance as a gift to the city, shall not constitute the acceptance of a gift in violation of this Code, provided that the disposition of such gift is reported on a timely filed reportable gift form. 7. The manager, on a monthly basis, shall prepare a report which shall be made available to the public of all gifts that have been turned over to his office for acceptance as a gift to the city. (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021)

El Paso City Code § 2.92.060 Restrictions for former city officers and employees.

2.92.060 - Restrictions for former city officers and employees. A. All executive staff or salaried professional employees reporting directly to the city manager as described in Section 6.2-2(H), Unclassified Services of the City Charter, are prohibited during the twelve months after leaving the service or employment of the city, to engage in lobbying activities as a registered lobbyist as regulated in Chapter 2.94 of this Code, or represent any other person or organization in any formal or informal appearance before the city council or a city board or department. B. An officer or other employee in a position which involves significant reporting, decision-making, advisory, or supervisory responsibility who leaves the service or employment of the city shall not, during the twenty-four months after leaving the service or employment of the city, engage in lobbying activities as a registered lobbyist as regulated in Chapter 2.94 of this Code, or represent any other person or organization in any formal or informal appearance before the city council or a city board or department. For purposes of this subsection only the term "Officers" excludes members of boards and commissions of the city. C. No former members of the building and standards commission, city plan commission, civil service commission, ethics review commission, historic landmark commission, parks and recreation board, public service board, the zoning board of adjustment, or any other board or commission of the city, shall, during the twelve months after leaving the board or commission, engage in lobbying activities as a registered lobbyist as regulated in Chapter 2,94 of this Code, or represent any person or organization in any formal or informal appearance before their former respective board or commission. D. Former officers and employees shall not use for their personal benefit and shall not disclose, except as may be required by law, confidential information gained in the course of or by reason of their positions. This provision shall not prohibit the disclosure of any such information to incumbent city officers or employees to whose duties such information may be pertinent. E. No person shall, during the twelve months after having served on and left the civil service commission, represent any classified employee of the city before the civil service commission or before a hearing officer appointed by the civil service commission on a disciplinary matter or grievance. Additionally, a person after leaving the civil service commission, shall not represent an employee on any matter before the civil service commission or a hearing officer appointed by the civil service commission that went before the civil service commission during the time that such person served on the civil service commission. F. No person shall, during the twelve months after having served on and left the civil service commission, be appointed as a hearing officer for the civil service commission. G. No person appointed as a hearing officer for the civil service commission shall, during the time of service and for twelve months after having served, represent any classified employee of the city before the civil service commission or before a hearing officer appointed by the civil service commission on a disciplinary matter or grievance. A former hearing officer appointed by the civil service commission shall not represent a classified employee on any matter before the civil service commission or a hearing officer appointed by the civil service commission that went before such person during the time he or she served as a hearing officer. (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021; Ord. No. 019757, § 1, 7-22-2025)

El Paso City Code § 2.92.070 Campaign finances.

2.92.070 - Campaign finances. A. Conformity with Texas Election Code. Pursuant to this chapter, candidates, officeholders and political committees participating in city elections may be required to make additional disclosures, to file additional notices, and to comply with certain restrictions not set out in the Texas Election Code. It is not the intent of the city to enact any provision in conflict with or in derogation of the Texas Election Code. The requirements set out in this section are cumulative of those in the Texas Election Code, and nothing in this section shall be construed to limit obligations imposed by the Texas Election Code. B. Applicability of section. 1. The provisions of this section pertaining to candidates and officeholders shall apply to all persons who have an active appointment of a campaign treasurer by a candidate form on file with the city clerk. 2. Officeholders are subject to the regulations applied to candidates for the office he or she holds. C. Campaign contributions. 1. An individual shall not make a contribution in support of, or opposition to, a candidate for city office under a name other than the name by which the individual is identified for legal purposes. 2. A contribution must be made in the name of the individual who owns and is contributing the thing of value, and one individual shall not make a contribution on behalf of another individual. 3. It shall be unlawful for any person who is an adverse party in any pending litigation against the city, or who has an ownership interest of ten percent or more in any entity that is an adverse party to the city in any pending litigation to contribute or donate any funds to any candidate for city office if the litigation seeks recovery of an unspecified amount or of an amount in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars, exclusive of costs of court and attorneys' fees. Such restriction shall not be applicable to attorneys representing a person or entity in pending litigation against the city. It shall be the duty of any candidate to refuse to accept any contribution that may be offered by a person who is known to the candidate to have a litigation interest described in this section. In the event that any candidate unknowingly accepts a contribution in contravention of the foregoing provision, then it shall be the duty of the candidate to return the contribution within ten days after the candidate becomes aware of the litigation. D. Required filings. 1. Each candidate shall file with his application, consent and affidavit of candidate, a written statement acknowledging that he or she has received a copy of the city's campaign finance regulations. 2. A political committee which makes contributions or expenditures in connection with advocating or opposing a position or issue in a city election must file with the city clerk a copy of each contribution and expenditure report filed with the Texas Ethics Commission. The filing date for filing with the city clerk shall be the date established under the Texas Election Code for filing with the Texas Ethics Commission. 3. The starting and ending dates of reporting periods and the due dates of contribution and expenditure reports by candidates for city elections, officeholders and by political committees shall be governed by the Texas Election Code. 4. Contribution and expenditure reports required to be filed with the city clerk's office under the Texas Election Code must be filed and updated electronically except as provided in Section 2.92.070(D)(4)(b). a. The city will provide access to computer equipment for candidates to file the electronic reports. b. A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that is required to file electronic reports under this chapter may apply for an exemption with the city clerk if: i. The candidate, officeholder, or campaign treasurer of the committee files with the city clerk's office an affidavit stating that the candidate, officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom the candidate, officeholder, or committee contracts does not use computer equipment to keep the current records of political contributions, political expenditures, or persons making political contributions to the candidate, officeholder, or committee; and ii. The candidate, officeholder, or committee does not, in a calendar year, accept political contributions that in the aggregate exceed the greater of twenty thousand dollars or the amount stated in Section 254.036(C)(2) of the Texas Election Code, as amended, or make political expenditures that in the aggregate exceed the greater of twenty thousand dollars or the amount stated in Section 254.036(C)(2) of the Texas Election Code, as amended. c. The city will post the contribution and expenditure reports through the city's website. A paper copy of any report will be made available, upon written request. d. Failing to timely file a report required by this section is a violation hereof, as is the filing of a report with incorrect, misleading, or incomplete information. If an individual inadvertently files an incorrect or incomplete report, it is his or her responsibility to file an amended report as soon as possible, though no later than fourteen days after discovery of the error or after the error should have reasonably been discovered. E. Complaints. 1. Individuals may file a complaint alleging noncompliance with this section by an officeholder by submitting the matter to the ethics review commission in the same manner as provided in Section 2.92.160 of this chapter. 2. If the city clerk receives a written complaint alleging noncompliance with this section or if the city clerk determines that a required report of a candidate, officeholder or political committee has not been filed by the deadline imposed by this section or state law, the city clerk shall forward this information to the city attorney for investigation and appropriate enforcement action or submission to the ethics review commission, if warranted. F. Severability. It is the intent of the city that this section shall comply in all respects with applicable provisions of the United States Constitution, the Texas Constitution, and the charter of the city. If any provision of this section is declared by a court of law to be illegal, void, invalid, or unconstitutional or in violation of the City Charter, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this section, and such remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021)

El Paso City Code § 2.92.080 Disclosure of campaign contributions and donations.

2.92.080 - Disclosure of campaign contributions and donations. A. The following definition applies to these terms as used in this section: "Contribution" and "contributor" are as defined in this chapter, and shall include, but not be limited to cash, loans, offsets to expenditures, in-kind contributions, donations, and gifts. "Donation" means cash and the value of any in-kind contributions or gifts to the council member for use by their office or in their district. The term "donor" includes an individual and spouse, a business entity, or and individual who owns a business entity in whole or in part, or is operated by the individual, that is the subject of a council agenda item. "Benefiting" as used in this section shall include but not be limited to any contract, bid award, franchise, permit, zoning or rezoning, and other award that council will vote on. B. Reporting of Contributions and Donations by Council Member. Council members must verbally disclose the amount of any contributions or donations received totaling an aggregate of five hundred dollars or more prior to discussion or vote on any council item benefiting the contributor or donor. This requirement includes any contribution received at any time during the council member's campaign(s) or term(s) of office for city council. Such member shall file a written notation with the city clerk to be included with the agenda backup documentation. This disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. C. Reporting of Contributions and Donations by Contributors. No later than one week prior to the relevant council meeting, a donor or contributor benefiting from an agenda item, and who has contributed or donated an accumulated total of five hundred dollars or more to any current member of city council or to the city through their office for use by the member's office or in their district at any time during their campaign(s) or term(s) of city office shall notify the city of the amount and to whom. It shall be the responsibility of the contributor or donor to report the contribution so the notice of the contribution is posted on the city council agenda with the posting for the relevant item. D. These requirements shall apply to all meetings of the city council. E. A member of the city council, or any candidate accepts a campaign contribution from a contributor of five hundred dollars or more, shall report the amount and the donor by an item for notation on the consent agenda of a city council meeting within thirty days of the date of such contribution by submitting a memo to the city clerk no later than noon on the Wednesday one week prior to the relevant city council meeting. F. No later than thirty calendar days after the end of each fiscal year, each member of council shall file a report listing all campaign contributions and donations to the city for use by their office received during that fiscal year, to include the identity and address of each contributor or donor, and the total amount received from each contributor or donor. G. No action of the council which is otherwise legal shall be invalidated merely by reason of the disclosure of a campaign contribution by a member of the city council or the failure of a member to disclose a campaign contribution or donation. (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021; Ord. No. 019581, § 1, 12-12-2023; Ord. No. 019620, § 2, 4-23-2024)

El Paso City Code § 2.92.090 Ethics training.

2.92.090 - Ethics training. A. This subsection applies to all city officers. 1. Each officer shall complete the courses of training regarding the regulations and requirements of Chapters 2.92 and 2.94 of the City Code, as provided herein. 2. Each officer shall complete an initial course of training within ninety days after the effective date of this chapter. 3. Each board, committee and commission member shall complete an initial course of training within ninety days after the effective date of this chapter. 4. Each officer taking office for the first time on and after shall complete the course of training within sixty days after taking the oath of office. 5. Each board, committee and commission member who is appointed to any board, committee or commission on and after January 1, 2013, and who has not completed the initial course of training or a refresher training course within the three years prior to the date the person takes the oath of office, shall complete the initial course of training within ninety days after the date the person takes the oath of office. 6. Each officer shall thereafter complete refresher training courses as provided in subsection (C). B. This subsection applies to all city employees. 1. Each city employee shall complete the courses of training regarding the regulations and requirements of Chapters 2.92 and 2.94 of the City Code, as provided herein. 2. All employees shall complete an initial course of training as part of each employee's participation in a new employee orientation, as established by the city manager or his designee. 3. Each employee shall thereafter complete refresher training courses as provided in subsection (C), or as otherwise directed by the city manager. C. The courses of training required under this section shall be provided and completed as follows: 1. Each officer and employee shall complete the initial course of training as provided in subsections (A) and (B), as applicable. 2. Each officer shall thereafter complete a refresher training course that will be offered during every third year subsequent to the initial course of training provided during calendar year 2020, with the first refresher course of training to be offered during calendar year 2023. 3. Each employee shall thereafter complete a refresher training course as provided in subsection (C)(2), or as otherwise directed by the city manager. 4. An officer or employee who has completed his initial course of training within the twelve months prior to the start of a calendar year in which refresher training is required is not required to complete the refresher training offered during that immediately-following calendar year, but shall be required to complete all subsequent refresher training courses, as provided herein. D. The city manager shall ensure that the training required by this section is made available. 1. The training course and refresher training courses shall be developed and provided by the city manager or his designees, and be subject to approval as to form by the city attorney or his designees. 2. The training courses must include instruction in: a. Requirements relating to the standards of conduct imposed under this chapter, including, but not limited to, the acceptance of gifts; b. State penal and other laws that relate to ethical conduct; c. Reporting and disclosure requirements of the ethics ordinance and state law; d. Basic requirements of the lobbying ordinance and facilitating compliance by others with that chapter; e. Penalties and other consequences for failure to comply with the ethics and lobbying ordinances; and f. The application of the ethics ordinance to unique situations relating to the board, commission or committee that the officer has been appointed to, or the application of the ethics ordinance to unique situations relating to the type of work that an employee does or the department he/she is assigned to. 3. The courses of training required under this section may be offered through live instruction or through the use of a video-recorded presentation. (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021)

Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE_CH2.92ET_ARTIISTCOFetched: 10/28/2026