FAQ: Ethics E-File System
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WHAT IS THE CITY OF ATLANTA ETHICS E-FILE SYSTEM?
The Ethics Electronic Filing System is a web-based public disclosure system for filing ethics forms required under city law. City officials and employees file their City Financial Disclosure Statements and other required disclosure forms using the system, and the public can view or download copies of the forms to review for actual and potential conflicts of interest.
https://cityofatlanta.ethicsfilingportal.com/
ETHICS FINE PAYMENT PORTAL
https://www.e-billexpress.com/ebpp/COAonlinePay/
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CITY DISCLOSURE REPORTS?
There are four types of disclosure reports made available for public viewing:
1) City Financial Disclosure Statement
Elected city officials, certain city employees, city board members, executive directors, and certain NPU officers are required to file a City Financial Disclosure Statement disclosing sources of income and transactions with the City for each year they serve and in the year after they leave city service. The Statement is due by April 1 of each filing year.
Ø Why do I need to file the City Financial Disclosure Statement?
Annual filing of the City Financial Disclosure Statement is required in the interest of good governance and transparency so that the public may review the business, employment, contractual, and financial transactions of city officials, employees, and board members for actual and potential conflicts of interest. Further the Code of Ethics focuses on the perception, as well as the reality, that an individual's financial or personal interests may create a conflict of interest with their city role.
Ø Who is subject to the City’s Financial Disclosure Statement Filing Requirements?
Pursuant to Section 2-814 of the Code of Ethics, city elected officials, approximately 25 percent of the city's work force, city board members, and neighborhood planning unit officers are required to file the annual City Financial Disclosure Statement. Required filers must submit a statement every year that they serve the city and the year after they leave city service. Every year the Ethics Office posts online a list of elected officials, employees, and volunteer city officials who are required to file the financial disclosure statement.
Ø What information is required to file the City Financial Disclosure Statement?
Disclosure is required for all non-city sources of income, income sources above $5000, real estate interests, business transactions with the City, and family members’ transactions with the City.
Ø What information is not required to file the City Financial Disclosure Statement?
The Statement does not require disclosure of the actual amount of income received from income sources listed or the value of disclosed real estate interests. The Statement does not require the disclosure of sensitive personal information such as date of birth, driver’s license numbers or Social Security numbers. Further, while street address, phone number, and e-mail address are required during the disclosure process, the public will not see this information when reviewing the Statements online or by hard copy.
Ø When do I file the City Financial Disclosure Statement?
The filing period begins on March 1 of each year and ends with the April 1 filing deadline. Required filers will receive a notice to file letter by mail from the Ethics Office in February. The notice letter will include filing instructions as well as the filer’s user ID and information for access to the City of Atlanta Financial Disclosure System.
Ø What if I fail to file the City Financial Disclosure Statement?
Required filers who fail to submit their Statement in a timely manner by the end of the grace period without reasonable cause may be subject to fines and other sanctions for failing to comply with city law.
2) Conflict of Interest Disclosure Report
City officials and employees must file an online conflict disclosure form when they have a financial or personal interest in a decision, legislation, or matter pending before the individual or his or her agency. The report is due immediately upon recognition of the conflict and no later than seven days after the pending decision.
3) Gift to the City Report
City departments file a gift report at the end of each year to disclose gifts received on behalf of the City of Atlanta (1) from a prohibited source, (2) as a result of soliciting a donation, (3) as an honorarium, and (4) for addition to the general fund or the city’s inventory of property. The reports are due by December 31 each year.
4) Travel Disclosure Report
Individual officials and employees file a travel report when an entity other than the City pays their expenses for travel or training received in an official capacity. The report is due 30 days after the trip or event.
CAN I FILE MY STATEMENT OR REPORT BY HARD COPY (PAPER) FORM?
No, unless you are granted a waiver to file by paper form, all disclosure reports must be filed online using the Ethics E-File system. Persons who are 65 years of age or older may seek a waiver from the online filing requirement and file hard (paper) copies by mail or hand delivery.
DO I NEED TO LOG IN TO THE E-FILE SYSTEM TO SEARCH PUBLIC DISCLOSURE REPORTS?
No, you do not need to log in to the system to search public records, including City Financial Disclosure Statements, Travel Disclosure Reports, Conflict of Interest Reports, and Gift to the City Reports. Click here to search ethics disclosure reports.
I HAVE A QUESTION NOT COVERED ON THIS PAGE, HOW DO I CONTACT THE ETHICS OFFICE?
Call the Ethics Office at (404) 330-6286 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.