201.00 Code of Ethics.docx

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES SECTION: 200 / Rules and Regulations Guideline: 210.00 Code of Ethics Effective Date: 7-30-99 Revision Date: 1-2023 210.00 POLICY STATEMENT The primary function of City government is to provide effective, efficient, and courteous services to the general public. In order...

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES SECTION: 200 / Rules and Regulations Guideline: 210.00 Code of Ethics Effective Date: 7-30-99 Revision Date: 1-2023 210.00 POLICY STATEMENT The primary function of City government is to provide effective, efficient, and courteous services to the general public. In order to promote these standards, employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in performing their position requirements and to follow all city policies, rules, regulations and guidelines set forth by State law, City Ordinance or Department authorization. Where government is based on the consent of the governed, every citizen is entitled to have complete confidence in the integrity of their government. Each individual city official/employee must help to earn, and must honor that trust by their own integrity and conduct in all official duties and actions. The policy is not intended to impose any unwarranted form of regulation on the personal and private affairs of employees nor is it intended to question the continuing loyalty of employees. 210.10 DEFINITION “City official/employee” means any person hired, appointed, or otherwise serving in any capacity with the City of Desoto in any ordinance which involves the exercise of a public power, trust, or duty and is under the direction and control of the City Manager. The term includes officials or employees of the City, whether or not they receive compensation, including consultants and persons who serve on advisory boards and commissions who are under the control and direction of the City Manager. GENERAL CONDUCT Good judgement and common sense are the basic requirements for adherence to this policy. While the policy does not prescribe an exact standard of integrity or absolute code of conduct, the following guidelines, though not all-inclusive, are applicable. Employees are expected to perform all business activities in a manner consistent with this policy so as to protect and preserve both the employee’s reputation and City interests and reputation for fair and honest dealing, candor, and respect for the law and the rights of others. No city official/employee shall have a financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or agreement with the City, nor shall be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in the sale to the City of any land, or rights of interest in any land, material, goods, supplies, service, or surplus property except on behalf of the City as an official or employee. No city official/employee shall participate in a vote or decision on any matter in which they have a direct or indirect financial interest; financial interest of a relative shall constitute an interest of a city official/employee. Disclosure of Interest: Any city official/employee, whether appointed or hired, who has a prohibited financial interest in any matter pending before the City, shall disclose such interest to other members of the commission, or board of which he/she is a member of, or in the case of an employee, to his/her supervisor and shall refrain from further discussion of the matter; shall not be physically present when the subject is presented for consideration; and shall not vote on or participate further herein in any manner. City officials/employees shall not directly or indirectly accept money or any other consideration for favors from anyone other than the City for the performance of an act in the official discharge of their duties; nor shall such persons accept, solicit, or grant gifts, gratuities, privileges, or favors of any kind which might reasonably be interpreted as an attempt to influence their actions with respect to City business. City officials/employees shall not directly or indirectly disclose confidential information gained solely by their official position or employment with the City, or use such information for speculation, personal gain or benefit, or for the private interest of others. No city official/employee shall directly or indirectly make use of or permit others to make use of City property/equipment of any kind for personal gain or advantage. City property/equipment must only be used for its intended purpose and not for personal benefit or the private interest of others. All employees should protect and conserve City property entrusted or issued to them. No city official/employee shall tape record or videotape conversations with other city personnel without knowledge of all parties present that the conversation is being recorded. City employees are encouraged to exercise their right to vote. No employee shall make use of City time or equipment to aid a political candidate, party, or cause, nor may an employee use their position to persuade, coerce, or intimidate any person in the interest of a political party or cause. The City Manager may authorize educational programs for City employees on public issues. City officials/employees shall not consume alcoholic beverages during work hours or on City property, nor shall employees report to duty under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at any time. The City maintains the right to search City property entrusted or issued to employees where reasonable suspicion exists that an employee is possessing or using alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on City time or property. Personnel should use sound judgement regarding consumption of alcoholic beverages when subject to callback. All city officials/employees are expected to comply with this policy and all department heads/supervisors are responsible for its enforcement. Department heads are directed to emphasize regularly the importance of compliance with this policy and to see that it is understood throughout their departments. City officials/employees who are in doubt as to whether a specific activity, or failure to act, may be in violation of this policy should discuss it with the appropriate supervisor, department head, and/or the Ethics Committee. City officials/employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the City Personnel Policy. VIOLATIONS In the case of a city official/employee, disciplinary action and appeals shall be in conformance with procedures established by the City Charter, state law, and personnel rules and regulations. Where no specific appeal procedure is otherwise prescribed as to employees, the appeal shall be to the City Manager. The decision shall be final in the absence of bias, prejudice, or fraud.