To: Board of Supervisors
From: Human Resources
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
SUBJECT:
title
1:30 p.m. - Study Session: Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct and Ethics
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Conduct a Study Session in regard to the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct and Ethics;
2. Provide Feedback and General Guidance; and
3. Direct Staff to Return with a Code of Conduct and Ethics for Approval and Adoption.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
The residents, businesses and employees of the County of Humboldt are entitled to a fair, ethical and accountable County government. Ethics is the foundation of public service and essential for public trust and confidence in public officials. This means elected officials must conduct themselves with the highest levels of civility and decorum. Assembly Bill 1234, Chapter 700, Statutes of 2005 requires completion of periodic ethics training. While it is important to complete the mandatory training, elected officials must also take the time to discuss “how” they govern. Everyone must play their roles well for civic progress to occur.
Each member of the Board of Supervisors articulates his/her vision of the organizational culture and values for the governing body when the Board as a whole spends time developing a code of conduct and ethics. Such code defines how the elected leaders and staff are to behave in carrying out their duties. The governing board sets the rules and expectations for how they govern the county - defining a civil and respectful governing culture consistent with best practices.
The attached DRAFT Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct and Ethics provides a framework for day-to-day actions and decision-making by Board members and represents a commitment to uphold a standard of integrity beyond that required by law. It is recommended that your Board conduct the Study Session and provide feedback and general guidance. Upon incorporating your suggestions from today’s Study Session, staff will then return with a final document for your approval and adoption.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by investing in county employees.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Administrative Office
County Human Resources/Risk Management
County Counsel’s Office
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to conduct the Study Session with the ultimate goal of having a Code of Conduct and Ethics. Governance of a county relies on the cooperative efforts of public officials, who set policy, and the County Administrative Officer and staff, who implement and administer the Board of Supervisors’ policies. Thus, every effort should be made to be cooperative and show mutual respect for the contributions made by each individual for the good of the residents, businesses and employees of Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Draft Code of Conduct and Ethics
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
None