[ back ]
Officials know law on accepting gifts
(by Joan Demirjian - December 22, 2011)
Jared Prill and Fay Cockrell of the Chagrin Falls Police Department display a cookie tray the department was given during the holidays. Most officials know the laws governing acceptance of gifts and some say huge presents are a thing of the past and cookie trays are the norm.
Officials know law on accepting gifts
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Gift giving is in season, and many people like to give to their local government employees and elected officials.
Most of the gifts offered are not pricey items intended to influence or gain favor. Trays of cookies and candies appear to be the most popular gifts given to government employees and officials.
Darrell Johnson, South Russell streets commissioner, said gifts aren't like they were in years past when people would drop off cases of liquor and hams at the service, building and police departments. "Those are a thing of the past," he said. A plate of cookies or candy is the norm, he said.
South Russell Mayor Matthew Brett said the village policy covers employees and elected officials and prohibits any cash gifts or donations. "But we allow cookies," he said. "People want to show their appreciation."
South Russell Police Chief James Wetzel said people will bring in food, cookies and chocolates that are put out to share with everyone. They are not personal gifts.
Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Bridey Mathaney said, "The majority of gifts are usually those that can be shared." Cookies and candy can be put out and offered to everyone, even the public, she said. If the gift is a plant, it goes into an office, she said. "At this time of year, giving cookie trays is what most people do."
Chagrin Falls Village Administrator Benjamin Himes said village employees do not take anything more than a tray of cookies. "We do get a lot of cookies," he said. "It's the same way for police."
State ethics laws cover elected officials and what they can accept as gifts, he said.
Chagrin Falls Police Chief James Brosius said police officers are not permitted to take any gratuity. Any cash donated to the police department goes into the general fund for use by the department, he said.
Small gifts are put in a hat for a drawing for everyone to take a chance at winning.
Many of the food gifts are from local businesses just wanting to show their appreciation for the work of the department, Mr. Brosius said. "We put the food out for everyone to enjoy."
Geauga County Auditor Frank Gliha said people, including vendors, send in items to the auditor's office during the holidays. He does not personally take anything, even a box of candy, he said. He puts the items into a drawing for employees to take.
The Ohio Revised Code requires that gifts of $20 or more must be put in an ethics report, Mr. Gliha said. "I have to fill it out for anything. I never even let someone buy me lunch. I don't take anything."
Russell Township Trustee James Dickinson said, as long as he has been a trustee, he has never been offered anything. "And soliciting or accepting a gratuity is not something we would do," he said.
Russell Fiscal Officer Geraldine Heck said people bring cookies and party trays to the township offices. When people make a monetary donation to one of the departments, Township Trustees must vote to accept it. She then puts it into the general fund, earmarked for that department to spend on a way they decide, she said. The donor is also asked for approval on what they are spending it on.
Russell Police Chief Timothy Carroll said they sometimes receive cookies that are put out for everyone during the holidays. "That's not a problem," he said. "Cookies are good but we don't personally accept things."
Auburn Township Trustee John Eberly said elected officials and department heads do not take gifts.
"Back in the old days, turkeys and other foods showed up at the road department, but not now. We have made it clear we don't condone it," Mr. Eberly said. He recalled in the past that a trustee received a ham and gave it to a food bank.
Bainbridge Township has a formal policy in place regarding taking gifts. However, Trustee Matthew Lynch said, "I've never been offered a gift in four years.
"I don't think it's appropriate for elected officials or government employees to take gifts. I would not consider it a good idea," Mr. Lynch said. "A tray of cookies is fine, but not specific gifts to an individual," he said.
Bainbridge Trustee Lorrie Benza said elected officials have to be very careful about taking anything. "You don't want people trying to buy off government employees," she said.
Bainbridge Trustee Jeffrey Markley said no one has given him a gift in his term on the board of trustees. "If I took anything, I'd give it to the fire or police departments. But I've never received anything as an elected official."
[ back ]
