What is the Purpose of the Code of Ethics?
The Code establishes standards of conduct required of all public officials and employees for the proper operation of County government and has the force of law. These standards are intended to strengthen public services and to maintain and promote faith and confidence of the people in their government.
- Mindfully serving as agents of and for the benefit of the public.
- Upholding and adhering to the spirit and letter of the law, the Charter, rules, regulations and policies of the County.
- Recognizing that public interest is paramount.
- Demonstrating the highest standards of morality and ethics consistent with the requirements of our position and the law.
Honoring the law and public expectation, applying County policies consistently …
- Supporting governmental objectives expressed by the electorate and interpreted by the Board of Supervisors and County programs developed to attain these objectives.
- Adhering to work rules and performance standards.
- Using good manners and being considerate.
- Being accurate and truthful in statement.
- Exercising sound judgment in the performance of work.
- Avoiding work for another employer or agency and conducting or pursuing unauthorized activity for remuneration during the hours covered by active County employment.
- Not exceeding our authority, breaking the law or asking others to.
- Working in full cooperation with other public officials and employees.
Delivering the highest quality service to the public and fellow co-workers with dignity and respect …
- Not granting special consideration, treatment, or advantage to any person beyond what is available to every other person in a similar circumstance.
- Not favoring or discriminating against anyone.
Making merit-based decisions …
- Not using County-owned equipment, materials, property or time for personal benefits or profit.
Safeguarding County assets, including property, time and resources …
- Honoring the oath “I_____, do solemnly swear, (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.”
Recognizing and honoring the significance of our role …
What does the Code of Ethics mean to you?
The Code provides guidelines for the proper discharge of official duties. We, the County, continuously strive to improve sound business practices and our Code of Ethics reflects that dedication, exhibited in decisions County officials and employees make every day.
- Not using, accessing or disclosing confidential information for personal gain or benefit.
- Keeping personal records confidential except when disclosure is required by law.
Respecting and protecting public and co-worker information, as if it were our own …
- Not engaging in business, transactions or having financial or other personal interest or associations that conflict with the proper discharge of duties or impair independence of judgment in the performance of official duties.
- Always mindful of the public’s perception when making decisions.
Avoiding actions that would cause the public to question our commitment to public service …
- Participating in the political process to the extent that it does not interfere with public official and employee duties and functions.
Making merit-based decisions …
It is the responsibility of every County employee and officials to be aware and knowledgeable of the Code of Ethics.