§ 26-67. Intent and declaration of policy.

(a)

Essential to the proper operation of government is the commitment of its elected and appointed officials and government employees to independence, impartiality, and responsibility to the people they serve. To achieve this goal, it is necessary that government decisions and policy be made through the proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office and employment not be used for personal gain; and that the people have confidence in the integrity of their government. The public interest, therefore, requires that the law protect against any conflict of interest and establish standards for the conduct of elected and appointed officials and government employees.

(b)

Chapter 112, Florida Statutes, Part III, Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, defines and describes the minimum standards of conduct required of County employees and officials. The County adopts the higher standards of conduct delineated in this Article.

(c)

Code of Conduct.

(1)

It is the policy of the County to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its employees and officials, whether elected, appointed, or hired. Accordingly, all County Commissioners, employees, and individuals appointed to Boards, Committees, Agencies, and Authorities must maintain the utmost standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fairness in carrying out their public duties, and must avoid even the appearance of impropriety in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

(2)

In furtherance of this policy, the following public service values have been adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. These values shall be the foundation of the County's organizational philosophy and the basis for the development and implementation of policies and procedures governing ethical behavior.

a.

Public Trust.

1.

We serve the community;

2.

We consider the interests of the entire community in our decisions;

3.

We are committed to merit-based award of public employment and public contracts;

4.

We promote the efficient use of the County's resources;

5.

We do not accept gifts or other special considerations given to influence our vote or public position; and

6.

We will not use our public position for personal gain.

b.

Integrity.

1.

We are truthful with our elected officials, our peers, the public, and others;

2.

We do not promise that which we have reason to believe is unrealistic;

3.

We are prepared to make unpopular decisions to further the public's interest;

4.

We give credit to others' contributions in moving our community's interests forward;

5.

We do not knowingly use false or inaccurate information to support our positions;

6.

We recuse ourselves from decisions when our personal or our relatives' financial interests may be affected by our agency's actions; and

7.

We disclose suspected instances of impropriety to the appropriate authorities.

c.

Responsibility.

1.

We come to meetings prepared;

2.

We do not disclose confidential information without proper legal authorization;

3.

We represent the official positions of the County to the best of our ability;

4.

We explicitly state that our personal opinions do not represent the County's position and do not allow the inference that they do;

5.

We refrain from any action that might appear to compromise our independent judgment;

6.

We take responsibility for our own actions, even when it is uncomfortable to do so;

7.

We do not use information that we acquire in our public capacity for personal advantage; and

8.

We do not represent third parties' interests before our agency.

d.

Fairness.

1.

We make decisions based on the merits of the issues;

2.

We honor the law's and the public's expectation that County policies will be applied consistently;

3.

We support the public's right to know and promote meaningful public involvement;

4.

We are impartial and do not favor those who are in a position to help us; and

5.

We promote equality and treat all people equitably.

e.

Compassion.

1.

We recognize government's responsibilities to society's less fortunate;

2.

We consider permissible exceptions to applicable policies when applying such policies would cause unintended consequences or undue burdens;

3.

We realize that some people are intimidated by the public process and try to make their interactions as stress-free as possible;

4.

We convey the agency's care for and commitment to its community members; and

5.

We are attuned to, and care about, the needs of the public, officials, and staff.

f.

Respect for Others.

1.

We treat fellow officials, staff, and the public with courtesy, even when we disagree;

2.

We focus on the merits in discussions, not personalities;

3.

We gain value from diverse opinions and build consensus;

4.

We follow through on commitments, keep others informed, and respond timely;

5.

We are approachable and open-minded, and convey this to others;

6.

We listen carefully and ask questions that add value to discussions;

7.

We are engaged and responsive; and

8.

We involve staff in all meetings that affect agency decisions.

(Ord. No. 75-6, § 1, 3-31-75; Ord. No. 90-27, § 11, 9-11-90; Ord. No. 2007-02, § 1, 1-23-07)