Ethics Compliance

Fraud, Waste & Abuse Complaints

Ethics Review Commission (City)

• The Ethics Review Commission (ERC) has jurisdiction to review and make findings and conclusions concerning an alleged violation of the City’s Ethics Code and, if a violation of  is determined to have occurred to levy sanctions.
• A complaint is made to the ERC by following the directions below:
• • Filing. Any resident or nonresident owner of taxable real property within the corporate limits of the city who believes that there has been a violation of the City’s Ethics Code may file a sworn complaint with the City Secretary’s office. The complaint must be filed within two years after the alleged violation occurred. For purposes of this provision, a complaint shall be considered filed when it has been accepted by the City Secretary as complete as to form in accordance with the requirements below. If a complaint is dismissed by the ERC but permitted to be re-filed, the re-filed complaint shall be deemed to have been filed on the date that the initial complaint was accepted by the City Secretary. A complaint must be in writing and contain the following information:
  • • The name, street or mailing address and telephone number of the complainant;
    • The name and position or title of the person complained about;
    • The date and nature of the alleged violation and the specific provision of the City’s Ethics Code alleged to have been violated;
    • A statement of the facts on which the complaint is based and the date(s) on which the violation occurred;
    • The sources of evidence or information that are relevant to the complaint, including, if possible, copies of all relevant documents or materials that are available to the complainant.
  • Sworn nature. A complaint must be accompanied by an affidavit stating that the complaint is true and correct or that the complainant has good reason to believe and does believe that the facts alleged constitute a violation of City’s Ethics Code. The complainant shall swear to the facts by oath before a notary public or other person authorized by law to administer oaths under penalty of perjury.
  • Acceptance by the City Secretary. If a complaint does not substantially comply with the filing requirements set forth above, the City Secretary shall by certified mail, return receipt requested, return the complaint to the complainant with a letter stating the defects in the complaint. If a complaint substantially complies with the filing requirements set forth in above, the City Secretary shall acknowledge to the complainant that the complaint is complete as to form and provide a copy of the complaint to the city attorney, ERC and the person complained against.
• For any questions related to the Ethics Review Commission, please contact the City Secretary.

Texas Ethics Commission (State)

Texas Enforcement & Complaints

Any individual who lives in Texas or owns property in Texas may file a sworn complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission alleging a violation of certain laws. The Ethics Commission may only consider violations of the following laws:

1. Title 15, Election Code, concerning political contributions and expenditures, and political advertising;
2. Chapter 302, Government Code, concerning the election of the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives;
3. Chapter 303, Government Code, concerning the governor for a day and speaker's reunion day ceremonies;
4. Chapter 305, Government Code, concerning lobbyist registration, reports, and activities;
5. Chapter 572, Government Code, concerning personal financial disclosure of state officers and conduct of state officers and employees;
6. Chapter 2004, Government Code, concerning representation before state agencies;
7. Chapter 159, Local Government Code, concerning judges of statutory county courts or statutory probate courts who elect to file a personal financial statement with the Commission; and
8. Sections 334.025, and 335.055, Local Government Code, concerning false and misleading campaign material supporting or opposing the authorization of a sports or community venue project.

Conflict of Interest Forms

Click here for more information about the questionnaire filed in accordance with chapter 176 of the Local Government Code by a person doing business with the governmental entity.

Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation Complaints (City of Fort Worth general employees only)

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. 

For General Employees, click here to access the City of Fort Worth employee only intranet which will help you learn more about the City’s partnership with Work Shield and to report a complaint about Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation or any other Misconduct. Also, review the City’s Advisory regarding Work Shield and view instructions on reporting complaints for Civil Service Employees.

City Code of Ethics

Click here to read the City’s Code of Ethics.

City Charter

Click here to read the Section 16 of the City Charter which restricts officers and employees of the City from having a financial interest in a contract of the City. 

Civil Rights Enforcement (Housing, Employment, and Public Accommodations)