Ord 2017-020/amending Chapter 2, Article 5, Code of Ethics, of the San Marcos City Code; requiring Financial Disclosure Forms to be updated within 30 days following acquisition of additional interests in real property; requiring Financial Disclosure Form

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(d) This code of ethics is not intended to be used as a political weapon or to intimidate or embarrass affected persons. The officials charged with administration of this code of ethics shall administer it in a manner that avoids any such use of this code of ethics. Sec. 2.422. Definitions. In this article: Benefit means anything reasonably regarded as pecuniary gain or pecuniary advantage, including any money, real or personal property, purchase, sale, lease, contract, option, credit, loan, discount, service or other tangible or intangible thing of value. Benefit includes a pecuniary gain or pecuniary advantage to any other person in whose welfare the beneficiary has a direct and substantial interest. Business entity means a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation, holding company, joint-stock company, receivership, trust, unincorporated association, or any other entity recognized by law, including a nonprofit organization or governmental entity. Economic interest includes a legal or equitable interest in real property, personal property, or intangible property, or a contractual right. Service by a city official or employee as an officer, director, advisor, or other active participant in a nonprofit educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organization does not create for that city official or employee an economic interest in the property of the organization. Ownership of an interest in a mutual or common investment fund that holds securities or other assets is not an economic interest in the securities or other assets unless the person in question participates in the management of the fund. Employee means any person employed by the city, whether under civil service regulations or not, including those individuals on a part-time basis, and employees of an independent contractor that serve as a staff liaison to a city board or commission. Immediate family means the spouse, children, brothers, sisters and parents of an officer or employee. Officer or official means the mayor or any member of the city council and any appointive member of a city board, commission or committee established by ordinance, charter or state law on a permanent basis, and members of temporary boards and commissions. Sec. 2.423. Prohibition against involvement in actions affecting economic interests. (a) General rule. It is unlawful for a city official or employee to take any official action that he or she knows is likely to: (1) Affect an economic interest of: