[Code 1997, § 2-186; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992]
The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that government decisions and policy be made in proper channels of the governmental structure; that public service not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of government. In recognition of these goals there is hereby established a code of ethics for all village officials and employees. The purpose of this code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all covered officials and employees by setting forth those actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the village and by directing disclosure by such officials and employees of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the village. The provisions and purpose of this code and such rules and regulations as may be established are hereby declared to be in the best interests of the village and are promulgated under the authority granted to the village pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 19.59(1m).
[Code 1997, § 2-187; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992; Ord. No. 94-344, 10-6-1994]
This Code shall apply to all elected and appointed, paid and unpaid, part-time and full-time, village officials (as defined by Wis. Stats. § 19.42(7x)) and employees, including members of boards, committees and commissions of the village and individuals who become candidates for public office upon filing nomination papers with the village.
[Code 1997, § 2-188; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992; Ord. No. 94-344, 10-6-1994]
Certain provisions of state statutes, while not set forth herein, should be considered an integral part of any code of ethics. The provisions of the following sections of the state statutes are incorporated herein by reference and are made a part of this Code and shall apply to all officials and employees whenever applicable:
(1) 
Wis. Stats. §§ 19.42(7u), 19.42(7w), 19.42(7x), 19.59, 19.85(1)(h)—Wisconsin's Code of Ethics for Local Government Officials, Employees and Candidates.
(2) 
Wis. Stats. § 946.10—Bribery of Public Officers and Employees.
(3) 
Wis. Stats. § 946.11—Special Privileges from Public Utilities.
(4) 
Wis. Stats. § 946.12—Misconduct in Public Office.
(5) 
Wis. Stats. § 946.13—Private Interest in Public Contract Prohibited.
[Code 1997, § 2-189; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992]
(a) 
Public officials and employees are agents of public purpose and hold office for the benefit of the public. They are bound to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state and carry out impartially the laws of the United States, the state and the village and shall observe in their official acts the highest standards of morality and shall discharge faithfully the duties of their office regardless of personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest must be their prime concern.
(b) 
All officials and employees of the village should be loyal to the objectives expressed by the electorate and the programs developed to attain these objectives. Officials and employees should adhere to the rules of work and performance established as the standard for their positions by the appropriate authority.
(c) 
Officials and employees should not exceed their authority or breach the law or ask others to do so, and they should work in full cooperation with other public officials and employees unless prohibited from doing so by law or by officially recognized confidentiality of their work.
[Code 1997, § 2-190; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992]
No public official or employee shall request, use or permit the use of village-owned vehicles, equipment, materials or property for personal convenience or profit. This provision shall not prohibit an official or employee from requesting, using or permitting the use of such vehicles, equipment, materials or property that under general practice is made available to the public at large or that is provided as stated village policy for the use of officials and employees in the conduct of official business.
[Code 1997, § 2-191; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992]
No official or employee shall grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen beyond that which is available to every other citizen.
[Code 1997, § 2-192; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992]
No appointing employee or official shall appoint or vote for appointment of any person related to him by blood or marriage to any office, position, employment or duty when the salary, wages, pay or compensation is to be paid from village funds.
[Code 1997, § 2-193; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992]
No official or employee, whether paid or unpaid, shall engage in any business or transaction or shall act in regard to financial or other personal direct or indirect interest that is incompatible with the proper discharge of official duties in the public interest contrary to the provisions of this division or that would tend to impair independence of judgment or action in the performance of official duties.
[Code 1997, § 2-194; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992; Ord. No. 14-647, 5-15-2014]
Any questions as to the interpretation or application of any provision of this Code shall be referred to the village attorney. The village attorney may issue advisory opinions in accordance with Wis. Stats. § 19.59. An advisory opinion or a summary of an advisory opinion may be made public in accordance with Wis. Stats. § 19.59(5)(b).
[Code 1997, § 2-195; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992; Ord. No. 14-647, 5-15-2014]
A determination by the village manager or the village board that an official's or employee's actions amount to improper conduct under the provisions of this code may constitute a cause for suspension, removal from office or employment, or other disciplinary action, as permitted by law. Sanctions requiring additional legal action shall be referred to the village attorney for disposition. Sanctions, including any disciplinary actions that may affect employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement or civil service regulations, shall be consistent with the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable bargaining agreement or civil service regulations.
[Code 1997, § 2-196; Ord. No. 327, 12-3-1992; Ord. No. 14-647, 5-15-2014]
Each public official and employee elected, appointed or engaged thereafter shall be furnished a copy of this division before entering upon his duties or upon filing for election. The village clerk's failure to comply with this division shall not be available as a defense to any official, employee or candidate accused of violating this Code.