§ 30-12. Misuse of position.

(a)

In the course of official duties, public officials shall assist members of the public and other public officials in a courteous manner. Except in the course of official duties, public officials shall not: enhance another person's position in a county transaction; offer policy statements or opinions on behalf of the county; or promise to authorize or prevent future official action.

(b)

Public officials shall not misrepresent a personal opinion to be the official position of the county, county manager or utilities manager.

(c)

Public officials shall not use, or attempt to use, an official position improperly to avoid the consequences of illegal acts for any person.

(d)

Public officials are not prohibited from appearing on their own behalf or representing themselves as to any matter in which the public official has a proprietary interest, if not otherwise prohibited by established policy or ordinance.

(e)

No public official shall make unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind county.

(f)

No public official shall make a financial commitment, a political or other endorsement in the capacity of a public official, without first securing the consent of the appropriate authority and in compliance with applicable law. The ability to make a political or other endorsement without reference to one's status as a public official does not require consent.

(g)

No former public official shall represent a person in the person's dealings with the county on a matter in which the former public official personally and substantially participated while a public official.

(h)

No public official shall enter into a contract with, or take any action affecting, any person or business that is:

(1)

Represented personally in the matter by a person who has been a public official of the county within the preceding year if the value of the contract(s) or action(s) is in excess of $1,000.00 during such preceding one year period. This provision shall not apply to any member of any board; or

(2)

Assisted in the transaction by a person who was a public official of the county within the preceding one year. This provision shall not apply to any member of any board.

(i)

No public official shall, for a period of one year after leaving county employment or service, represent, for pay or other benefit, a person, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or private legal entity before the county. This provision shall not apply to any member of any board.

(Ord. No. 02-240, § 2, 11-25-2014; Ord. No. 02-256, § 41, 7-7-2015)