Reading’s Board of Ethics has censured two city board appointees and a former employee for failing to file financial interest forms.
After investigating a complaint, the board found James Cole, a member of the city’s Environmental Advisory Council, Stephen V. Yarnell, a member of the Reading Redevelopment Authority board, and Greg McCullough, a former city employee, did not file the required Supplemental Statement of Financial Interest forms.
Cole and Yarnell were deemed ineligible to hold any city office or position for five years and fined $1,200 each. Additionally, the board recommended that City Council remove both men from their appointed positions.
McCollough was also deemed ineligible to hold any city office or position for five years and fined $1,200.
Cole was appointed by City Council to the environmental council on Nov. 28, 2022. His term expires at the end of this year.
Yarnell was appointed by City Council to the redevelopment authority on May 22, 2022. His term also expires at the end of this year.
Both serve as volunteers and do not receive any compensation for their service.
No further information was available on McCollough as city personnel matters are considered confidential.
Attempts to reach the three for comment were unsuccessful.
The city requires that a Supplemental Statement of Financial Interest form be used by employees, and board, committee and authority appointees to disclose any possible financial interests within the city.
These might include:
• Real estate interests, such as ownership or beneficial interest in properties within the city.
• Business interests and employment, including businesses owned, managed or with which business is transacted within the city.
• Sources of income exceeding a specified threshold, such as pensions, 401K distributions or rental income.
• Use of public resources, such as city-owned public vehicles, credit cards or other resources.
• Political contributions made to election campaigns.
Source: Berkshire mont