(A) It is important that the County avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest in its ability to function and specifically in the activities of County employees. In order to avoid an actual conflict or the appearance of a conflict, a series of guidelines based on County ordinance and State law (IC 35-44-1-3) have been developed and adopted to guide County employees, elected officials and appointed board members:
(1) It is improper for an employee to sell or provide at additional cost any goods or services to any other County departments except as the result of an open bidding process in which such goods or services are subject to control of another party.
(2) It may be a conflict of interest within the scope of this policy to engage in outside consulting activities while an employee of a department doing business in any manner with the firm with which the employee consults. Therefore, any such consulting activities by paid County employees must be reported in writing and approved by the Board of Commissioner's Office. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action including termination. Other elected officials shall also file a Conflict of Interest form with the appropriate governing authority.
(3) County employees shall not use their position to obtain gifts or favors from vendors. This policy shall exclude lunches or gifts of $100.00 or less in value, or group dinners and social activities sponsored by a vendor at a conference or convention. Should an employee be unsure as to whether a gift is in violation of the policy, the employee should seek clarification from the County Attorney's Office.
(4) It is illegal to accept a bribe (money, goods, an item of value, property, privilege or promise which is offered or given with a corrupt intent to influence an action, vote or opinion) in return for influencing the awarding of a contract purchase of goods or services, or to influence performance of County services.
(B) Disciplinary action will be taken for proven violations of this policy in accordance with the County's progressive discipline policy. Discipline will be based on the severity of the problem and previous incidents on record.