Denver City Council members and other identified officials would have to report gifts worth more than $50 a year, double the current threshold amount, under an ordinance revising the municipal code. A separate ordinance updating the city’s lobbyist registration requirements includes clearer definitions of who would have to comply with those reporting requirements.

The Council’s Finance and Governance Committee, at its Tuesday, Nov. 29, meeting, sent both ordinances to the full Council. The action followed an earlier committee meeting where the changes were first discussed.

Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson told the committee the latest changes to the financial and gift disclosure rules include requiring gift disclosure reports twice a year, each with a $25 threshold, instead of once a year with a $25 threshold.

“I think this will give the public a picture a little more often of the types of gifts that are given,” Johnson said.

Other changes were to remove any such requirement of City Council candidates, which are already subject to campaign finance reporting rules. Among the positions identified as “officers” and included in the reporting requirement are the mayor; auditor; City Council members; managers of public works, parks and recreation, finance, environmental health, general services, human services, aviation, community planning and development and safety; the city attorney; clerk and recorder; the mayor’s chief of staff; and those appointed to a position.

All such officers will also have to file an annual financial disclosure report by Jan. 31, and Johnson will make all gift and financial disclosure reports available online. Every other city employee will continue to be required to file annual gift reports with their supervisors if they receive more than $25 worth of such gifts in a year.

Council members discussed whether they would have to report things like lunches with college friends or gifts from relatives.

“I think when we get something from someone who is doing business with the city, that is a concern for our constituents,” Councilman Paul Lopez said. “I don’t think they expect Councilman (Kevin) Flynn to let them know if he gets a turtle neck sweater from his grandmother. But I think it would matter if it was from someone trying to bribe him.”

Councilman Rafael Espinoza, with tongue in cheek, stated he would be “more likely to be swayed by a baked good than a $25 gift.”

The lobbyist reporting ordinance defines a lobbyist as anyone who is self-employed or employed for lobbying, either full or part-time. It exempts city elected and appointed officials, employees, non-profit organizations and citizens who testify before City Council and other boards and commissions.

“I’ve always intended to get as much input as I can from as many people as possible,” Councilwoman Debbie Ortega said. “I don’t think we’re out to get everyone registered as a lobbyist.”

A major change for lobbyist reporting would switch from paper-based forms to online submissions, designed to improve transparency and allow easier access to the public information provided. Currently, anyone wishing to see the reports must come to the clerk’s office.

Submission dates for annual lobbyist registration fees would change from each lobbyist’s anniversary date to Jan. 15.