§ 2-2001. Declaration of policy; purpose of code.

(a)

Policy of the city. The proper operation of democratic government requires that:

(1)

Officials and employees:

a.

Are independent, impartial and responsible to the public;

b.

Are agents of the public and hold office for the benefit of the public;

c.

Do not use public office or employment for personal gain;

d.

Are bound to discharge faithfully the duties of their office, regardless of personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest must be their primary concern and shall be loyal to the objectives expressed by the electorate and the programs developed to attain those objectives;

e.

Shall uphold the constitution of the United States, constitution of Missouri, and City Charter and carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state and municipality, and thus foster respect for all government;

f.

Shall not exceed their authority or breach the law or ask others to do so;

g.

Shall work in full cooperation with other officials and employees unless prohibited from so doing by law or by officially recognized confidential nature of their work; and

h.

As representatives of the public, their conduct in both official and private affairs should be above reproach.

(2)

Decisions and policy are made in the proper channels of the governmental structure; and

(3)

People served by the government have confidence in the integrity of their government.

Therefore, the provisions and purpose of this code of ethics and such rules and regulations as may be established are accepted as and declared to be in the best interests of the city.

(b)

Purpose. The purpose of this code of ethics is to establish minimum ethical standards of conduct for all officials and employees by setting forth those acts or actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the city and by directing disclosure by such officials and employees of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the city. This code of ethics is designed to prevent unethical behavior, to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, to provide meaningful redress, and to encourage transparency in government.

(c)

Not exclusive. The provisions of this code of ethics may not be the exclusive source of guidance, rules, regulations, or other requirements addressing ethical behavior of officials and employees. Provisions providing for the ethical conduct of officials and employees will be in addition to the provisions of this code of ethics. If there is a conflict between this code of ethics and a more specific provision, the two will be interpreted together if possible, but if not the provisions of the more specific provision will govern.

(d)

Cross references—Budgetary and financial policies. There is recognized the additional obligations of persons involved in the city's investment process set out in subsection 2-1950(d), debt process, subsection 2-1990(d), and swap transaction process, subsection 2-1990(n)(4).

( Ord. No. 130249, § 2, 5-30-13 )