602 Ethics Policy

In addition to the regulations implementing those policies set out above, the County Manager shall have the authority and responsibility to implement such other rules and procedures as deemed necessary for the proper administration of the County human resources system.

All administrative regulations shall be consistent with the Board of Commissioners' stated employment policies as set out herein and supplemented or revised from time to time and with other federal, state, and local law.

Ethics Policy

Declaration of Policy

The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that governmental decisions and policy be made in proper channels of the governmental structure; and that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government.

In recognition of these goals, a code of ethics for County officials is hereby adopted.  The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all such officials by setting forth those acts or actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the County.

Applicability of Ethics Policy

The provisions of this policy shall apply to all elected and appointed County officials, members of County boards and commissions appointed by the County Commissioners, and other County employees.

Financial and Personal Disclosure

Any County official or employee who must officially consider any public matter involving his financial or personal interests, or those of his immediate family, shall first publicly disclose the nature and extent of such interest and shall abstain from acting thereon unless provisions of state law require otherwise.

Gifts and Favors

No official or employee shall knowingly accept any gift, whether in the form of money, thing, favor, loan or promise, when it could reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to

influence or regard an official action on his part.  Gifts, meals, other favors of an incidental nature and of minor value, or legitimate political contributions shall not be included in this policy.

Appointment, Employment, or Contract Award of Relatives or Business Partners

Public officials of the appointing authority must disclose on the public record any person of their immediate family related by blood or marriage, or business interest who is being considered for appointment, employment or contract award by that authority.  Immediate family related by blood and marriage are to include:  spouse, child, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, step-, half-, and in-law relationships for preceding categories.

Revised 7/16/02

Incompatible Service

No public official or employee shall engage in, or accept private employment or render service for private interest, when such employment or service is incompatible with the proper discharge of his official duties.

Special Treatment

No public official or employee shall grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen beyond that which is available to every other citizen.

Disclosure of Confidential Information

No public official or employee shall disclose confidential information concerning the property, government, or affairs of the County in such a manner as to advance the financial or other private interest of himself or others.

Penalty for Violation

If any appointed public official or employee is found to have violated any provision of this policy, he may be subject to forfeiture of his appointed office or dismissal from his position.

If any elected public official is found to have violated any provision of this policy, he may be subject to public censure.

All elected and appointed County officials, members of County boards and commissions appointed by the County Commissioners, and other County employees who are serving in these roles at the date this policy becomes effective and those hereafter elected or appointed shall be issued a copy of this policy.

Revised 12/20/93