The proper operation of a representative government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; and that governmental decisions and policies be made in the best interests of the people and the Borough. In recognition of these goals, the following Code of Ethics shall apply to all Borough elected and appointed officials and employees of the Borough, whether compensated or uncompensated, including members of authorities, agencies, boards and commissions of the Borough or those in which the Borough participates with other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Adopted 10-20-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-06]
A.
All hiring decisions for employment with the Borough shall be on the basis of merit and ability. The Borough shall not permit the use of nepotism when hiring individuals for Borough employment. The Borough may accept employment applications from relatives of employees, however, no relative of a current employee shall be hired if:
(1)
One relative would supervise or have disciplinary authority over another;
(2)
One relative would audit the work of another;
(3)
The interest of either the relative and the employee or the relative and the Borough would be in conflict; and
(4)
The hiring of relatives could result in a conflict of interest with existing vendors of the Borough. A proposed transfer by an existing employee to another Borough department or agency will be prohibited if it will result in one of the four situations listed above.
(5)
Employees who would be in violation of this section upon the election or appointment of a relative to an elected or appointed supervisory position; or who became related subsequent to their employment on account of the marriage or adoption of some other person; may continue their employment subject to the following conditions:
(a)
Elected officials may not participate in or vote upon any specific individual personnel actions directly involving a relative.
(b)
Department directors and supervisors shall transfer any relative (other than those already employed on the effective date of this section) to a different division or section so as to avoid any direct supervision and shall not participate in any personnel actions involving a relative. These provisions shall only apply to changes in employment status or marriages occurring after the effective date of the adoption of this article.
Violations of the provisions of this article of the Folcroft Borough Code of Ordinances shall constitute malfeasance or misbehavior in office which, except as otherwise provided for by general law, shall be a summary offense punishable by the maximum fine and/or imprisonment established by general law. Conviction shall result in forfeiture of office or termination of employment and any person so convicted shall thereafter be ineligible to hold elective or appointed office or employment in the government of the Borough.