A resolution adopting ethics and conflict of interest restrictions for the Hocking County Land Bank and requesting implementation thereof.

WHEREAS, the Hocking County Land Bank was established to acquire, manage, and responsibly dispose of tax-foreclosed and other properties for the public benefit, to stabilize neighborhoods, support housing, and promote economic development; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners desires to maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and public trust in all Hocking County and Land Bank operations; and 

WHEREAS, the Board finds it necessary and appropriate to implement strong safeguards against any potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety in the sale or transfer of Land Bank properties; and

WHEREAS, these restrictions are intended to ensure that properties acquired by the Land Bank are used for legitimate public and community purposes rather than private gain by public officials or employees;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Hocking County, Ohio, that:

Section 1. The Hocking County Land Bank is hereby requested to incorporate the following ethics and conflict of interest restrictions into their bylaws and these restrictions shall apply to all properties acquired by the Hocking County Land Bank:

1. All Hocking County employees, including elected officials, and their immediate family members (defined as parents, spouse, children, siblings, and first-cousins) are barred from purchasing any property acquired by the Land Bank while they are employed by Hocking County.
2. Elected officials are further prohibited from acquiring any property that was held by the Land Bank during their term in office for a period of seven (7) years after they leave office.
3. Any entity (including, but not limited to an LLC, trust, corporation, or partnership) in which a prohibited person (or entity in which a prohibited person has ownership) holds any ownership interest is also barred from purchasing Land Bank properties while the individual is a county employee or, in the case of elected officials, for seven (7) years after they leave office.
4. Every buyer must sign a sworn affidavit affirming that they are not a prohibited person or related to one, that they are purchasing the property for themselves, and that they have no intention of selling or transferring the property to a prohibited person during their term of prohibition.

Section 2. The Hocking County Land Bank, its Board, staff, and any agents acting on its behalf are hereby requested to implement these restrictions immediately. All future disposition policies, purchase agreements, deeds, and procedures should incorporate these requirements.

Section 3. The Land Bank is requested to require the sworn affidavit described in Section 1(4) as a condition of any sale or transfer of property. Any false statement in such affidavit should render the transaction null and void and may result in other legal remedies available to the Land Bank.