It is hereby declared to be the policy of the city that the proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials be independent, impartial and responsible only to the people of the city; that no officer shall permit any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engagement in any business, transaction or professional activity to conflict with the proper discharge of such person's duties in the public interest; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the City Council at all times shall be maintained as a nonpartisan body. To implement such a policy, the City Council deems it advisable to enact a Code of Ethics for officials, as defined in this division, whether elected or appointed, paid or unpaid, to serve not only as a guide for official conduct of the city's public servants, but also as a basis for discipline for those who refuse to abide by its terms, the overriding interest being that such officers of the city shall at all times strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
(a) 
This division shall be known as the Code of Ethics.
(b) 
This Code of Ethics shall apply to all officials as defined in this division.
(c) 
This Code of Ethics does not apply to employees, including those individuals employed on a full-time, part-time, or internship basis (including those who may serve on a city board, committee, or commission) nor to independent contractors of the city. The standards of conduct for employees are governed by the City of North Richland Hills Personnel Policies and the City Charter.
(d) 
This Code of Ethics applies to members of all city boards, commissions, and committees as defined in this division, except when such member is an independent contractor of the city or a city employee, including an individual employed on a full-time, part-time, or internship basis.
(e) 
This Code of Ethics applies to the conduct or actions of public officers, as defined in this division which occurs in whole or in part after the date of adoption of this division.
(f) 
This Code of Ethics applies to officers only while such persons hold such position or office.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Benefit
means anything reasonably regarded as pecuniary or economic gain or pecuniary or economic advantage, including benefit to any other person in whose welfare the beneficiary has a direct and substantial interest.
Business entity
means any person, entity, corporation (whether for-profit or nonprofit), general or limited partnership, sole proprietorship, joint venture, unincorporated association or firm, institution, trust, foundation, holding company, joint-stock company, receivership, or other entity recognized by law, whether or not organized for profit, which has an economic interest, or seeking such, in conducting business with the city. Business entity also includes any business entity that represents a party conducting or seeking to conduct business with the city.
City
means the City of North Richland Hills, Texas.
City Council/Council
means the governing body (Mayor and Council members) of the city.
Confidential information
means any information to which an official has access in such person's official capacity which may not be disclosed to the public except pursuant to state and/or federal law and which is not otherwise a matter of public record or public knowledge. Confidential information includes the following information, however transmitted:
(1) 
Any information from a meeting closed to the public pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act[1] or other law regardless of whether disclosure violates the Texas Open Meetings Act or Texas Public Information Act[2];
(2) 
Any information protected by attorney client, attorney work product, or other applicable legal privilege; and
(3) 
Any information deemed confidential by law.
Contract
means any lease, claim, account or demand against or agreement with any entity or person, whether express or implied, executed or executory, oral or written.
Corporation
means any corporation that has a board of directors appointed in whole or in part by the City Council that is operating under the direct authority of or subject to the direct control of the City Council.
Council member
means an elected/appointed officer in Places 1 through 7.
Employee
means any person employed by the city, including those individuals on a part-time or internship basis, but does not include independent contractors.
Gift
means anything of value, regardless of form, offered or given in the absence of adequate and lawful consideration. It does not include the receipt or acceptance of campaign contributions which are regulated by federal, state and/or local laws or ordinances.
Knowingly
means a person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of the person's conduct or to circumstances surrounding the conduct when the person is aware of the nature of the conduct or that the circumstances exist. A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to a result of the person's conduct whether the person is aware that the conduct is reasonably certain to cause the result.
Officer or official
means any member of the City Council and any appointed member of a city board, commission or committee established by ordinance, Charter, state law or otherwise, on a temporary or permanent basis, operating either under the direct or indirect authority or subject to either the direct or indirect control of the City Council.
Relative
means any person related to an officer within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity. This relationship includes the spouse, parents, children, stepchildren, father and mother-in-law, or son and daughter-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, sisters and brothers of the officer.
Sergeant at Arms
is a designated officer, the Chief of Police, or his designee assigned to: maintain order during City Council meetings, enforce rules of decorum and procedure, provide security, control access, and remove disruptive individuals, support procedural flow, and aiding the presiding officer.
Special privileges
means a right, advantage or favor of or for a particular person, occasion or purpose not otherwise available to others.
Substantial interest
means:
(1) 
The ownership of ten percent or more of the voting stock or shares of a business entity;
(2) 
The ownership of ten percent or more, or $15,000.00 or more of the fair market value of a business entity; or
(3) 
Funds received from the business entity exceed ten percent of the person's gross income for the previous year, and action on the matter involving the business entity will have a special economic effect on the business entity that is distinguishable from the effect on the public. It is expressly provided herein that an investment or ownership in a publicly held company, in an amount less than $15,000.00 does not constitute a substantial interest. Substantial interest in real property means the person has an interest in the real property that is equitable or legal ownership with a fair market value of $2,500.00 or more; and it is reasonably foreseeable that an action on a matter involving the real property will have a special economic effect on the value of the real property distinguishable from its effect on the public. (Ownership includes any partnership, joint or corporate ownership or any equitable or beneficial interest as a beneficiary of a trust.) An officer is considered to have a substantial interest under this Code of Ethics if a person related to the officer in the second degree of consanguinity or affinity has a substantial interest under this Code of Ethics.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
[1]
Editor's note—See Texas Government Code Chapter 551.
[2]
Editor's note—See Texas Government Code Chapter 552.
No officer of the city or a relative thereof shall:
(1) 
Have a financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract with the city, nor shall such person be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in the sale to the city of any land, or rights or interest in any land, materials, supplies or service. The "financial interest" contemplated under this section, the City's Code of Ordinances, and under the City Charter, Article XVIII, Section 13 requires that such person receive an actual financial benefit from the transaction with the city. An actual financial benefit from the transaction shall include:
a. 
An ownership in the entity transacting business with the city where the ownership interest is more than ten percent.
b. 
Compensation as an employee, officer or director of the entity transacting business with the city where such compensation is affected by the entity's transaction with the city.
(2) 
Participate in a vote or decision on any matter in which the officer has a substantial interest. A city official who is required to abstain from participation in a matter under this section or under state law shall leave the room where the meeting is held during any discussion of, and vote on, the matter.
(3) 
Represent or appear on behalf of private interests of others before the City Council, or any agency, board, commission, corporation, or committee of the city, nor shall represent any private interests of others in any action or proceeding involving the city, nor voluntarily participate on behalf of others in any litigation to which the city is, or might be, an adverse party. The restrictions of this subsection (3) do not prohibit an officer, or relative of an officer, who is the president, vice president, or officer of a homeowner's association from appearing before the City Council, or any agency, board, commission, or committee of the city to represent such homeowner's association, except that no such officer or relative of such officer shall appear before the agency, board, commission, or committee of the city of which such officer is a member.
(4) 
Accept any gift from any person that might reasonably tend to influence such officer in the discharge of such person's official duties. The prohibition against gifts shall not apply to:
a. 
A lawful campaign contribution;
b. 
An honorarium in consideration for services unless the officer would not have been asked to provide the services but for the officer's position;
c. 
Meals, lodging, transportation in connection with services rendered by the officer at a conference, seminar or similar event that is more than merely perfunctory;
d. 
Complimentary copies of trade publications and other related materials;
e. 
Attendance at hospitality functions at local, regional, state or national association meetings and/or conferences;
f. 
Any gift which would have been offered or given to the person if such person was not an officer or employee of the city;
g. 
An occasional item with a value less than $50.00;
h. 
Tee shirts, caps and other similar promotional material;
i. 
Meals, transportation and lodging in connection with a seminar or conference at which the officer is providing services;
j. 
Gifts on account of kinship or a personal, or professional, or business relationship independent of the officer's status;
k. 
Complimentary attendance at political or charitable fundraising events; and
l. 
Meals, lodging, transportation, or entertainment furnished in connection with public events, appearances or ceremonies related to official city business, if furnished by the sponsor of such public events.
(5) 
Use such person's official position to secure special privileges or benefits for such person or others.
(6) 
Grant any special consideration, treatment, or advantage to any citizen, individual, business organization or group beyond that which is normally available to every other citizen, individual, business organization, or group.
(7) 
Misuse and disclosure of confidential information.
a. 
It is a violation of this ethics code for a city official to violate V.T.C.A., Penal Code, § 39.06 (Misuse of Official Information), as amended.
b. 
A city official shall not disclose to the public any information that is deemed confidential under any federal, state, local law, or City Council house rules.
(8) 
Engage in any outside activities which will conflict with or will be incompatible with such person's official position or duties as an officer of the city.
(9) 
Use city supplies, personnel, property, equipment, or facilities (whether tangible or intangible) for any purpose other than the conduct of official city business, unless otherwise provided for by law, ordinance, or city policy.
(10) 
Act as a surety on any official bond required for any officer or employee of the city, or for a business that has a contract, work, or business with the city.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
(a) 
No member of the City Council who is on the board of a nonprofit organization may vote on any funding request by that nonprofit organization, unless the nonprofit organization has a board of directors or trustees appointed in whole or in part by the City Council.
(b) 
With the exception of those proceedings allowed under this division, no member of the City Council shall personally appear in such person's own behalf before the City Council, or any city board, commission, corporation, or committee but may designate and be represented by a person of such person's choice in any such personal matter.
(c) 
No member of the City Council, the planning and zoning commission, zoning board of adjustment, or substandard building board shall participate in, or vote on, any land use matter in which such officer has a substantial interest in any real property within 200 feet of the real property, the subject of the land use matter. For purposes of this subsection (c) "land use matter" shall mean zoning, plat approval, site plan or other development approvals or permits, variances or exceptions. The term "land use matter" does not include studies or similar matters that are for the benefit of the city and which are not unique to real property within 200 feet of the real property, the subject of the land use matter, in which the officer has a substantial interest.
(d) 
No member of the City Council shall fail or refuse to file a conflicts disclosure statement as required by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code Ch. 176, as amended.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
As stewards of North Richland Hills, each member of the City Council holds a profound responsibility to conduct public business with integrity, transparency, and respect. These house rules embody that commitment and set the expectations held for City Council in serving the city.
(1) 
Honor City Council decisions.
Once a final vote has taken place, I will support and uphold the outcome, even if I personally oppose it, recognizing that a unified voice maintains public confidence and effective municipal governance.
(2) 
Prioritize the city's well-being.
Every issue I consider will be evaluated strictly by what is best for the City of North Richland Hills and its residents, not by individual preferences, special interests, or personal gain.
(3) 
Truthfulness and integrity.
Always be honest in words and actions. Communicate facts accurately and avoid misleading statements.
(4) 
Vision-driven decision making.
Base decisions on the city's long-term vision, goals, and priorities—not on personal interests or short-term gains.
(5) 
Respectful dialogue and collaboration.
Treat others with courtesy and professionalism. Be prepared for each meeting. Allow full discussion of items, listen actively, and avoid interrupting or dismissing differing views.
(6) 
Transparency and open communication.
Share relevant information proactively. Be clear about your reasoning and positions. If you disagree, express it respectfully and constructively.
(7) 
Agree to disagree.
Recognize that differences of opinion are natural. Debate issues respectfully and accept final decisions without hostility.
(8) 
Conduct of business in public forums.
Discuss with a quorum of the City Council, public business or public policy over which the City Council has supervision or control only in official City Council meetings posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act[1] ("TOMA")—not on social media or other informal platforms.
[1]
Editor's note—See Texas Government Code Chapter 551.
(9) 
Advance communication and fairness.
Share questions and concerns ahead of meetings with the City Manager whenever possible.
(10) 
Confidentiality.
Protect the confidentiality of executive sessions and sensitive information related to city operations at all times.
(11) 
Inclusive citizen engagement.
When seeking input, reach out broadly to all residents rather than select groups.
(12) 
Respect for presiding officer and procedures.
Elected officials shall respect the chair and adhere to designated rules of procedure and parliamentary practices, as outlined in Chapter 2, Article II, of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances, during meetings to ensure orderly and fair deliberation.
(13) 
Timely response to the public.
City Council members shall respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from the public, following established communication protocols and legal requirements.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
(a) 
When the City of North Richland Hills is involved in litigation or a legal dispute, Council members shall refrain from commenting on settlements, appeals, or other issues related to the subject until the matter is resolved. The Mayor or City Attorney shall be authorized to provide any public responses or comments, as needed on matters involving litigation.
(b) 
When speaking in an "official" capacity on behalf of the city, the following guidelines apply:
(1) 
The Mayor speaks for the city and consensus of the City Council.
(2) 
The City Manager speaks on administration and management issues.
(3) 
Council members are to refer media contacts to the Mayor and City Manager.
(c) 
Statements made by public officials are conducted in a professional manner.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
(a) 
No city official or candidate for City Council shall meet with any employee or group of employees of the city for political campaign purposes while such employees are on duty unless part of an approved City Council activity or part of a public political forum in which all candidates for City Council are invited to participate.
(b) 
No city official shall, directly or indirectly, coerce or attempt to coerce any city employee to:
(1) 
Participate in an election campaign, contribute to a candidate or political committee, or engage in any other political activity relating to a particular party, candidate, or issue; or
(2) 
Refrain from engaging in any lawful political activity.
(c) 
The following actions by city officials are not prohibited by this section:
(1) 
The making of a general statement encouraging another person to vote in an election;
(2) 
A solicitation of contributions or other support that is directed to the general public or to an association or organization; and
(3) 
The acceptance of a campaign contribution from a city employee.
(d) 
No city official shall use, request, or permit the use of city facilities, personnel, equipment, or supplies for the creation or distribution of materials to be used in a political campaign or for any other purpose in support of a political campaign. However, meeting rooms and other city facilities that are made available for use by the public may be used for political purposes by city officials under the same terms and conditions as they are made available for other public uses.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
A former member of City Council or an appointed board/commission shall not use or disclose, for any reason or purpose except as herein permitted, confidential government information acquired during the member's service on the City Council or an appointed board/commission. This prohibition shall not apply if:
(1) 
The information is no longer confidential.
(2) 
The information involves reports of illegal or unethical conduct and is disclosed to a law enforcement agency or the city as a complaint under this division; or
(3) 
The disclosure is necessary to further public safety and is not otherwise prohibited by law.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
Any officer, who has a substantial interest in any matter pending before the body, board, commission, corporation, or committee of which the officer is a member, before a vote or decision on such matter, shall file an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the substantial interest, and shall abstain from further participation in such matter. The affidavit shall be on a form provided by the city and must be filed with record keeper for such body, board, commission, corporation, or committee. A city official who is required to abstain from participation in a matter under this section or under state law shall leave the room where the meeting is held during any discussion of, and vote on, the matter.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
(a) 
All complaints or allegations of a violation of this Code of Ethics against an officer shall be made in writing on a form provided by the city, sworn to before a notary public, and filed of record with the city secretary. Such complaint shall describe in detail the act or acts complained of and the specific section(s) of this Code of Ethics alleged to have been violated. A general complaint lacking in detail shall not be sufficient to invoke the investigation procedures contained herein; and anonymous complaints shall not be considered. The city secretary shall provide a copy of the complaint to the affected officer and the City Council, and immediately refer the complaint to the City Attorney, who shall initially review the complaint to determine if the complaint contains sufficient detail and alleges a violation of the Code of Ethics. The affected officer may file a written response to the complaint within seven calendar days after the complaint is filed with the city secretary, who shall forward the response, if any, to the City Attorney.
(b) 
The City Attorney shall submit a written report to the City Council as soon as possible but not later than 15 calendar days after the receipt of the complaint, unless an extension is granted by a majority of the non-implicated City Council members. The City Attorney may contact the complainant, interview witnesses, and examine any documents necessary for the report. Such report shall be comprehensive and explain in detail all facts, findings, and conclusions in support of the City Attorney's opinion as to whether or not a violation of this Code of Ethics occurred. When the City Attorney receives a vague complaint or one lacking in detail, the City Attorney shall contact the complainant to request a written clarification. Within seven calendar days, if the complainant fails to provide the City Attorney with written clarification, or if after written clarification is provided, it is the opinion of the City Attorney that the complaint is insufficient in detail and/or fails to allege a prima facie violation of the Code of Ethics, a written report to that effect shall be submitted to the City Council. If the City Attorney determines that a criminal violation may exist, the City Attorney shall refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
(c) 
If it is determined by the City Attorney that the facts as alleged could constitute a violation of this Code of Ethics, then the City Attorney shall, within 30 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, notify the Mayor and Council members of the existence and nature of the complaint. The City Council shall cause a meeting to convene, whether regular or special, no sooner than 15 calendar days and no later than 30 calendar days after being so notified by the City Attorney to further consider said complaint in executive session. In any event, the City Attorney shall immediately proceed to fully investigate the alleged improprieties. For purposes of this investigation, the City Attorney shall have all of the powers of investigation as are given to the City Council by reason of the City Charter and shall report back to the City Council as soon as possible but in no event more than 30 calendar days from the date City Council met with the City Attorney to consider complaint unless an extension is granted by the City Council. Said report shall be comprehensive and explain in detail all facts, findings and conclusions in support of the City Attorney's opinion as to whether a violation of this Code of Ethics occurred. The City Attorney has the same power to subpoena witnesses and the production of documents, books, records and other evidence as are given the City Council under the City Charter when acting pursuant to this subsection. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to fail to obey a subpoena or to produce books, papers or other evidence as ordered under the provisions of this section and shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by fine not to exceed $500.00.
(d) 
The City Council shall consider the complaint and the City Attorney's report at an executive session of the City Council. The affected officer may request that the complaint be considered in a public meeting. At such meeting, the City Attorney shall present a written report to the City Council describing in detail the nature of the complaint and the City Attorney's findings and conclusions as to a possible violation of this Code of Ethics. The affected officer shall have the right to a full and complete hearing before the City Council with the opportunity and right to attend the hearing, make a statement, call and cross-examine witnesses and present evidence on such person's behalf, and represent themselves or be represented by legal counsel, at such affected officer's own expense. The non-implicated City Council members in attendance shall conduct a hearing and review the complaint. The City Council may reject the complaint or take action authorized under section 2-111, Violations.
(e) 
No action or decision with regard to the complaint shall be made except in a meeting which is open to the public.
(f) 
The City Council may appoint outside legal counsel or may direct the City Attorney to appoint outside legal counsel, or the City Attorney in the City Attorney's discretion, with the City Manager's approval, may appoint outside legal counsel, to perform the duties and responsibilities of the City Attorney under subsections (b), (c) and (d) of this section. The outside legal counsel shall have the same power to subpoena witnesses and the production of documents, books, records, and other evidence as the City Attorney under section (c) when acting pursuant to this subsection. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to fail to obey a subpoena or to produce books, papers or other evidence as ordered under the provisions of this section and shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by fine not to exceed $500.00.
(g) 
A complaint or allegation of a violation of this division may only be made against an officer while such person holds such position or office. A complaint made against an officer pursuant to this section shall be processed and resolved even if such person resigns from, or ceases to hold such position or office, prior to resolution of the complaint.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
The City Council may take any one or more of the following actions in an open meeting concerning a complaint:
(1) 
Issue a statement finding the complaint is totally without merit, brought for the purpose of harassment, or brought in bad faith.
(2) 
Issue a letter of notification when the violation is unintentional. A letter of notification shall advise the officer of any steps to be taken to avoid future violations.
(3) 
Issue a letter of admonition when the violation is minor or may have been unintentional but calls for a more substantial response than a letter of notification.
(4) 
Issue a reprimand when a violation has been committed knowingly or intentionally.
(5) 
Remove from office an officer, other than a member of the City Council, for a serious or repeated violation of this Code of Ethics. Removal shall be, to the extent by and allowed, in compliance with the Charter and state law.
(6) 
Pass a resolution of censure or a recommendation of recall when the City Council finds that a serious or repeated violation of this Code of Ethics has been committed intentionally by a member of the City Council.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
It is unlawful for a person to knowingly file a complaint under this division that contains false information or that by making reasonable inquiry should have known that it contained false information. It is unlawful for a person to intentionally give false testimony under oath in any hearing before a review panel held under this division. Any person found guilty of violating this section will be fined not more than $500.00 for each offense.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
Any officer may request, and the City Attorney shall issue, a verbal or written opinion (as deemed appropriate) concerning the meaning or effect of any section, word, or requirement of this Code of Ethics as it affects such person.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
The city secretary shall provide each officer with a copy of the Code of Ethics at the time the officer is initially elected or appointed, upon any subsequent reelection or appointment, and each time the Code of Ethics is amended. Each officer shall, within 30 days of receiving the Code of Ethics under this section, file with the city secretary an acknowledgment, in a form provided by the city secretary, stating that the officer has received and read the Code of Ethics. If an officer refuses to sign the acknowledgment form, the city secretary shall execute a certification stating that the officer was provided with a copy of the Code of Ethics as required by this section, including the date it was provided. If any officer refuses to sign the acknowledgement form, such omission is eligible for a complaint to be filed against the officer.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)
The City Attorney shall provide annual training and educational materials to city officials on their ethical obligations under state law and this division.
(Ord. No. 3954 adopted 4/13/2026)