"Even if it's just a token gesture, it's proven to have a disproportionate effect on a subconscious level whether we are going to respond," he said. "If someone hands you a free sample, you're more likely to buy the $5 pizza."

Such an absolutist approach was not well received by several council members, in particular Councilman Joe Hatch who said resorting to a black and white approach to ethics often results in "unethical and ridiculous" outcomes.

The council agreed to hold off a vote on the gift-ban ordinance for two weeks but did approve a new measure tightening the county's nepotism policy and a second ordinance on using county resources for political activities.

In other business:

• The County Council formally organized a budget process subcommittee to address changes in budgeting, including a decreased reliance on fund balance and an effort to include performance evaluations in the budget process.

• Organized a financial steering committee to look at systemic change in the county's fiscal policies and management.

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E-mail: estewart@desnews.com