§ 2-517. Sanctions for violations

(a) If the commission determines that a violation of this article has occurred, it shall consider appropriate sanctions. The commission may receive additional testimony or statements before considering sanctions, but is not required to do so.

(b) If the commission determines that a violation has occurred, it may impose the following sanctions:

(1) A letter of notification is an appropriate sanction when the violation is clearly unintentional, or when the conduct of the person complained against was done in reliance upon an opinion of the city attorney. The letter of notification shall advise the city official or city employee of any steps to be taken to avoid future violations.

(2) A letter of admonition is the appropriate sanction when the commission finds the violation is minor and/or may have been unintentional, but calls for a more substantial response than a letter of notification.

(3) A letter of reprimand is the appropriate sanction when the commission finds a serious violation has been committed intentionally or knowingly or through disregard of this article. A written reprimand directed to a city employee shall be included in the employee's personnel file.

(4) A letter of censure is the appropriate sanction when the commission finds that a serious violation has occurred and/or more than one serious violation or repeated serious violations of this article have been committed by a city official.

(c) Copies of all sanction letters issued by the commission under this section shall be sent to the city council.

(d) In addition, if the violation is found by the commission to be done willfully and the seriousness of the violation warrants, the commission may recommend to the city council the suspension or removal from office of any official serving in a city-appointed position.

(e) Except with regard to violations of V.T.C.A., Local Government Code chs. 171 and 176, violations of the Penal Code, or violations of the Government Code, a violation by any city official or city employee as designated herein of one or more of the provisions of this article shall not be deemed to be a class C misdemeanor under the laws of the State of Texas.

(Ord. No. 10-11-863, 2(Exh. A), 11-15-2010)