(A) The proper operation of the town requires that all official representatives be effective, independent, objective, and accountable to the people they serve. To ensure these qualities are upheld, the town has adopted this code of ethics and values to promote and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct in our community. All elected and appointed officials, employees, volunteers, and others who participate in our government are required to subscribe to this code, understand how it applies to their specific responsibilities and practice these core values in their work. Because we value the public’s confidence and trust in our services and its decision-makers, our character and behaviors must meet the most demanding ethical standards and demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in following this code.
(B) Behavior inconsistent with the values set forth in this code may be redressed by the traditional instruments of governance including state law, ordinances, and work rules. No employee shall use his or her position with the town for personal gain, nor shall he or she engage in any business or transaction, which are in conflict with the proper discharge of his or her duties.
(C) No employee shall accept any valuable gratuity, whether in the form of a service, loan, item, or promise from any person, firm, or corporation which is interested directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever in business dealings with the town; nor shall employees accept any valuable gift, favor, or item that may tend to influence an employee in the discharge of his or her duties.
(D) No employee shall grant any improper favor, service, or item in the discharge of his or her duty. Therefore, a limit of $100 per occasion will be considered reasonable for gifts that might consist of luncheons or dinners at various meetings, seminars, or conventions. If an employee accepts a gift more than the limit, they must report that to their supervisor no later than two working days after receipt.
(E) All employees are expected to maintain the highest possible ethical, moral, and legal standards, and to perform their duties in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, the rules, and regulations continued in this subchapter, and/or future administrative directives deemed necessary.
(F) No employee shall, without proper and legal authorization, disclose confidential information concerning the property, government, or affairs of the town.
(G) No employee shall engage in, accept private employment, or render services for private interests, when such employment or service is incompatible with the proper discharge of his or her official duties, or would tend to impair his or her independent judgment or action in the performance of his or her official duties.