The Georgia Municipal Association has designated Oakwood a “City of Ethics.”

The city has received a recognition plaque and now can display the “Certified City of Ethics” symbol on its city stationery, road signs, city vehicles and other property.

A panel of attorneys reviewed the city’s ordinances to determine compliance with ethics criteria set by the association.

Business and government leaders developed the association’s City of Ethics program to encourage cities to adhere to a set of key ethical principles and adopt an ethics ordinance. Oakwood City Council passed its ordinance in January 2008.

“To serve the public well, it is important to have the public’s trust,” Oakwood Mayor Lamar Scroggs said. “We believe in open government, and our council and staff work toward meeting that promise to our citizens every day.

“The ethics ordinance was just one more step in our efforts to keep our government open, honest and accessible to the community.”

GMA Executive Director Jim Higdon said, “There is a much stronger focus on ethics right now, and we’re pleased that cities have led the way on this important issue.”

The association requires cities to recertify for the program every four years.