DUNCAN – A new ethics measure for Duncan’s elected and appointed officials will ensure conduct that is fair and promotes the integrity of city government, according to the proposal approved by the city council Tuesday night.
“The citizens and businesses of Duncan are entitled to have fair, ethical and accountable local government. To this end, the public should have full confidence that their elected and appointed officials comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the operations of government and are independent, impartial and fair in their judgment and actions,” the ethics measure states.
The proposal passed with a unanimous council vote.
City council members and all Duncan boards and commissions must use their public office for the public good, not for personal gain and conduct public deliberations and processes openly, unless required by law to be confidential, in an atmosphere of respect and civility, the ethics code reads.
This code of conduct is the first such measure adopted by Duncan city council members.
“This Code of Ethics will be the first substantial guide that can be used for training and discussion,” City Manager Kimberly Meek said in a prepared statement. “We anticipate to have an annual recertification and best practices refresher of the Code of Ethics for our officials as well. While this is not required, we think that it will be helpful for all of our citizens who choose to serve on a city board and as an added benefit, these individuals can take the knowledge to other boards and volunteer groups in town they may work with.”
The measure addresses issues such as acting in the public interest, conduct of members, respect for the city’s processes, conduct at public meetings, decisions based on merit, communication and conflicts of interest. The ethics code also involves gifts and favors, use of public resources and representation of private interests.
Conduct guidelines also specify the way elected and appointed officials should act in public meetings. Specifically, city officials should honor the role of the chairman in maintaining order, practice civility and decorum in discussions and debates and demonstrate effective problem-solving approaches.
The elected and appointed officials should treat all staff members as professionals, never publicly criticize an individual employee, do not disrupt city staff from their jobs, do not get involved in administrative functions and do not solicit political support from staff members.
Sanctions are a major part of the ethics and conduct policies. Those who do not sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understood the Code of Ethics and Conduct are not eligible to hold office. In addition, councilmembers, city treasurers, city clerks, board, committee and commission members who are out of compliance with state or city mandated requirements for ethics training may be subject to removal from office.
Counseling, verbal reprimands and written warnings may be administered by the mayor to board, committee and commission members failing to comply with city policy. These lower levels of sanctions shall be kept private to the degree allowed by law. Copies of all written reprimands administered by the mayor shall be distributed in memo format to the chair of the respective board, committee or commission, the city clerk, the city attorney, city manager, and the city council.
When warranted, the mayor or majority of the council may call for an investigation of board, committee or commission member conduct. Also, should the City Manager or City Attorney believe an investigation is warranted, they shall confer with the mayor or council.
The mayor or council shall ask the city manager or the city attorney to investigate the allegation and report the findings.