County Ethics Board

The Santa Fe County Ethics Board consists of five members who are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The primary duty of the Ethics Board is to enforce the County Code of Conduct (Ordinance No. 2022-03). The Santa Fe County Code of Conduct authorizes the Ethics Board to hold public hearings and make findings of fact and conclusions of law with regard to sworn complaints alleging violations of the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct by Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, or Volunteers.

If after a hearing before the Ethics Board it finds an elected or appointed official, or volunteer to have violated any provision of the Code of Conduct, the Board may impose any of the following penalties after the entry of written findings of fact and conclusions of law: a civil fine not to exceed $300; a written finding of censure; or a referral to the District Attorney or appropriate governmental office for commencement of criminal or other proceedings. Finally, the Ethics Board is authorized to recommend amendments to the Santa Fe Code of Conduct.  

Members of the Santa Fe County Ethics Board serve a two-year term, subject to reappointment thereafter. The Ethics Board meets at the call of the Ethics Board Chair which is not more frequently than monthly and for public hearings on sworn complaints.

Santa Fe County Code of Conduct (Ordinance No. 2022-03)

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How Do I Report an Ethics Violation? 

Section 20. REPORTING AND RESOLVING ALLEGED ETHICS VIOLATIONS

An elected official, appointed official or volunteer has an affirmative duty to, and an employee or any member of the public may, submit a complaint alleging unethical conduct to the county ethics board by delivering to the county attorney’s office a sworn complaint alleging facts that, if proven, would constitute a violation of the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct. The County Attorney's Office will forward all sworn complaints to the County's Contract Ethics Official (CCEO). If the sworn complaint states a claim under the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct, the CCEO shall investigate the allegations, prepare a report and recommendations to either dismiss the complaint or proceed to a public hearing, and shall present the same to the Ethics Board for consideration at its next available meeting after completion of the investigation.

The Ethics Board shall conduct a public hearing prior to taking any action described in Section 29 of the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct.

After deliberating at a public hearing on the merits of the case before them, the Ethics board shall issue a written decision consistent with its vote and may impose one of the consequences by Section 29 A

To learn more about submitting a sworn complaint, review the Ethics Complaint Flow Chart

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Report a Violation to:

Santa Fe County Attorney’s Office
102 Grant Avenue
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504

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SECTION 23.  NON-RETALIATION

The Board of County Commissioners does not tolerate retaliation, workforce discrimination or harassment of any kind against a person who has reported in good faith a violation of the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct.  This non-retaliation provision applies whether the complaint is ultimately determined to be well-founded or unfounded.  All elected officials, appointed officials, employees and volunteers are specifically prohibited from taking any adverse employment action, engaging in workplace discrimination or harassment of any kind, or other retaliatory action against anyone for reporting a claim in good faith.

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Ethics Board Members

• Gregory Coplans, Appointed June 29, 2021- June 29, 2023
• Tom Quaid, Appointed July 25, 2022- June 29, 2023
• Jonelle Maison, Appointed  June 29, 2021- June 29, 2023
• Michael Rosanbalm, Vice-Chair  Re- Appointed June 29, 2021- June 29, 2023
• Carol Thompson, Chair Re-Appointed June 29, 2021- June 29, 2023

Santa Fe County Ethics Board Staff Liaison

Olivia Romo Constituent Services Liaison
orromo@santafecountynm.gov
505-986-6202

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