Special Committees & Task Force Meeting | Ethics Task Force - April 23, 2026

The Wayne County Commission held a Special Committees & Task Force meeting on April 23, 2026, focused on the Ethics Task Force's inaugural session. The meeting primarily addressed the review and potential revision of the county's ethics ordinance, which has not been updated in over 13 years. Key procurement-related concerns discussed included the ordinance's minimal penalties for misconduct, lack of independent investigative power for the ethics board, and insufficient transparency and enforcement mechanisms, particularly in high-collar procurement environments. The task force emphasized the need for stronger whistleblower protections, clearer conflict of interest standards, and enhanced oversight of campaign contributions and lobbying activities to prevent undue influence and contract steering. The commission agreed on a biweekly meeting schedule to review grouped sections of the ordinance, established a 30-day public comment period for recommendations, and planned to engage the public and staff in the revision process. Motions to formalize the meeting cadence and public submission deadlines were passed unanimously, signaling a structured approach to strengthening ethics governance and procurement integrity in Wayne County.