Ethics Commission

Established by Chapter 16 of the Rockville City Code and guided by its rules of procedure, the Ethics Commission considers policy, advises the Mayor and Council, and processes complaints alleging violations of the Ethics Code. The commission maintains public trust in city officials and employees by ensuring decisions are made impartially, with independent judgment, and that business is conducted free from improper influence.

Commission meetings are open to the public, and community participation is welcome and encouraged. If you wish to comment in a meeting, please contact the staff liaison by 5 p.m. the day before the scheduled meeting with the subject of your comments.

Read the commission’s 2024 annual report to learn more.

Members

The Ethics Commission consists of seven members who serve three-year terms, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council.

Member	Term Expiration
Kevin Gash, Chair	Jan. 1, 2028
Amy Brown	Oct. 1, 2027
Kris Dighe	Oct. 1, 2026
Janice Frankle	Dec. 1, 2026
Brooks Hanner	March 1, 2028
Betsy Tao	Oct. 1, 2026
Vacant	June 1, 2026

Advisory Opinions

Any elected or appointed official or other person subject to the provisions of Chapter 16 of the Rockville City Code may request an advisory opinion from the Ethics Commission concerning the application of the chapter. Submit a completed Request for Advisory Opinion Form to the commission to request an advisory opinion. View previously issued advisory opinions below.

June 11, 2015: Real estate broker applying to be a member of the Planning Commission.
Oct. 18, 2017: Ethics Commission member playing an active role in a councilmember’s campaign for state-elected office.
Jan. 17, 2018: Twinbrook resident potentially serving on the Twinbrook Citizens Association, Inc.
June 20, 2018: Environment Commission using crowdfunding.
March 13, 2024: Reasonable honorarium amount under the Rockville City Code for service on non-city boards, commissions, or committees.
July 30, 2025: Councilmember potentially serving on the board of a nonprofit organization that receives grant funds from the city.

Ethics Complaints

Submit a completed Ethics Complaint Form to the Ethics Commission to file a complaint against an elected official, appointed official, or city employee regarding unethical behavior.

Lobbying

Anyone who personally appears before any city official or employee with the intent to influence that person in the performance of official duties, and who expends in a given calendar year in excess of $250 in the aggregate or $50 on any single official or employee on food, entertainment, or other gifts, must file a Lobbying Registration Statement with the Office of the City Clerk/Director of Council Operations no later than Jan. 15 of the calendar year or within five days after first making an appearance that requires registration. Anyone filing a Lobbying Registration Statement must also file a Lobbying Report within 30 days after the end of any calendar year during which they were registered.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Forms

Financial Disclosure Statements

Elected Officials and Candidates (Google Form or PDF)
Members or Applicants of Designated Boards and Commissions (Google Form or PDF)
City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and Department Heads (Google Form or PDF)