Ethics Complaints

The Ethics Review Board’s Jurisdiction
The Ethics Review Board has the jurisdiction to review allegations of violations of the City’s Ethics Code, Section 141 of the City Charter and Section 171 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Ethics Review Board does not have the jurisdiction or the authority to review allegations of violations of other bodies of law, nor is it charged with resolving disputes with the city that do not pertain to the Ethics Code.

Time Limit
The Board cannot consider any alleged violation that occurred more than two years prior to the date of the filing of a complaint.

Procedure to File a Complaint
Any person who believes there has been a violation of the ethics laws may file a sworn complaint. Click here for complaint form.  The complaint must include:

1) the name of the complainant;
2) the mailing address and contact telephone number of the complainant;
3) the name of each person complained about;
4) the position or title of each person complained about;
5) the nature of the alleged violation. If possible, state the specific rule or provision of law alleged to have been violated;
6) a statement of facts describing the alleged violation and the dates on which or period of time during which the alleged violation(s) occurred;
7) include any documents or other material available to the complainant that are relevant to the allegation.

Where to File an Ethics Complaint
The sworn ethics complaint must be filed in the City Clerk's Office: 
Mailing address: Office of the City Clerk
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, Texas 78283-3966
Street address: City Hall
100 South Flores (also referred to as 100 Military Plaza)
2nd Floor

Review of the Complaint
After initial review of the complaint, the Board or a designated panel may dismiss the complaint or find that further consideration is warranted. If necessary, the board may, but is not required to, hold a hearing to investigation the allegations. If the board determines that a violation has occurred, it will next consider whether sanctions should be imposed. 

Disposition of the Complaint
Within 90 days after the filing of the complaint, the Ethics Review Board or a designated panel shall issue a written opinion that shall either:

    1) dismiss the complaint; or 
    2) find that there has been a violation of the ethics laws, and:
        a) recommend criminal prosecution and/or civil remedies, or
        b) state why no remedial action is recommended.

Any recommended sanctions will be forwarded to the City Council for final consideration.

More information sources
For more information about complaints, hearings, sanctions or other issues related to complaints, please review the City’s Ethics Code, Part H. You may also contact Rosalinda Diaz at the City Clerk’s Office if you have questions or need additional information.