HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1991.06.13 - 18530Miscellaneous Resolution 91131 June 13, 1991
BY: David L. Moffitt, Commissioner, District 15
RE: REVISED PROPOSED NACo CODE OF ETHICS FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties' Board of Directors is
proposing to establish a policy outlining a code of ethics for public
officials; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Board - of Commissioners encourages and
supports proper and ethical conduct on the part of all elected officials.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners supports the NACo Board of Directors' proposed establishment
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and recommends that lag- May 20, 1991 proposed Code of Ethics be
botamended and ultimately adopted in the form a44e-e4.. lie)ce .fejW z-/Y:J..c4zig 742)<71-
Mr. Chairperson, I move adoption of the foregoing resolution.
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David L. A ' itt, District #15
ILL Hu.044 -2 .6 ,D,D. Jun 1J1 b:2( No.UU1 F.U2
PROPOSED CODE OF ETHICS
FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS
Preamble
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is cun jtted to
the highest standards of conduct among county officials in the
performance of their public duties. Adherence to high ethical
standards by public officials is central to the maintenance of
public trust and confidence in government. Each county official
should recognize that his or her mission is that of servant and
steward to the public.
The proper discharge of trust on behalf of another, whether
public or private, invariably involves potential conflicts of
interest and competing loyalty and policy consideration:4. This
code of ethics is meant to provide guidance in such cases, which
must ultimately always be decided by the dictates of the intavidual
conscience of the public official and his or her commitment to the
public good.
Certain of these ethical principles are best expressed as
positive statements: actions which should be taken; courses which
should be followed; goals that should permeate both public and
private conduct. Other principles are expressed as negctive
statements; actions to be avoided and conduct to be condemned.
The Code of Ethics for County Officials has been created by
and for elected county officials. To the extent permitted by
applicable law, these principles also apply to the day to day
conduct of both elected and appointed officials and employees of
county government.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) endorses this code
of ethics as a valuable reference guide for all in whom the public
has placed its trust.
Ethical principles
-thical county official should:
Recognize that his or her public responsibility and role is
that of servant and steward to the public.
• Properly administer the affairs of the county.
• Promote decisions which only benefit the public interest.
• Activ ,ly promote public confidence in county government.
• Keep safe all funds and other properties of the county.
• Diligently perform the duties of office and promptly dispose
of the business of the county.
• Maintain a positive image worthy of constant public scrutiny,
Jun :"2( No.001 P.03
• Obtain the best service or product at a minimal cost without
'icrificing quality or fiscal responsibility.
• itfford the prestige of office and dignity of public service to
,..veryday dealings with the public, employees, and associates.
• Respect and treat employees, other public officials, and
associates as she or he would have them treat him or her. ▪ Efficiently cooperate with government agencies, political
subdivisions, and other organizations to further the interests
of the county.
• Impartially apply and faithfully comply with all laws and
regulations.
The ethical county official should tots
• Engage in out6'ide activities or interests that are
incompatible with the impartial and objective performance of
his or her duties.
• Improperly influence or attempt to influence other officials
to act in his or her own benefit.
Accept anything of value that may or is intended to influence
his or her action as a public official.
lished by the National Association of Counties (NACo) 1991 (as
proposed for amendment by the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, Oakland County, Michigan)
#91131
June 13, 1991
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the Personnel Committee
and the General Government Committee. There were no objections.