Town of DeWitt, NY Article II Code of Ethics

§ 22-3 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

TOWN

Any board, commission, district, council or other agency, department or unit of the government of the Town of DeWitt.

TOWN EMPLOYEE

Any officer or employee of the Town of DeWitt, whether paid or unpaid, whether serving in a full-time, part-time or advisory capacity.

§ 22-4 Conflicts of interest.

No town employee shall have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engage in any business or transaction or professional activity or incur any obligation of any nature which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest.

§ 22-5 Standards of conduct.

A. No town employee shall accept other employment, present or future, which will impair his independence of judgment in the exercise of his official duties.

B. No town employee shall accept employment or engage in any business or professional activity which will require him to disclose confidential information which he has gained by reason of his official position or authority; nor shall any town officer or employee is any way disclose confidential information or use such information to further his personal interest.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.

C. No town employee shall use or attempt to use his official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for himself or others.

D. No town employee shall engage in any transaction as representative or agent of the town with any business entity in which he has a direct or indirect financial interest that might reasonably tend to conflict with the proper discharge of his official duties.

E. A town employee shall not by his conduct give reasonable basis for the impression that any person can improperly influence him or unduly enjoy his favor in the performance of his official duties or that he is affected by the kinship, rank, position or influence of any party or person.

F. Each town employee shall avoid making personal investments in enterprises which he has reason to believe may be directly involved in decisions to be made by him or which will create substantial conflict between his duty in the public interest and his private interest.

G. In the event that a town employee finds that an investment or employment would appear to influence or would influence him in the conduct of his official duties, he shall immediately file a written disclosure of his interest with the Town Clerk and shall refrain from participation in the discussion, deliberation and making of a decision in such matter.

H. Each town employee shall endeavor to pursue a course of conduct which will not raise suspicion among the public that he is likely to be engaged in acts that are in violation of his trust.

I. No town employee employed on a full-time basis, nor any firm or association of which such employee is a member, nor any corporation a substantial portion of the stock of which is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such employee shall sell goods or services to any person, firm, corporation or association which is licensed or whose rates are fixed by the town in which such employee served or is employed.

J. No town officer or employee shall solicit, accept or receive any gift having a value of seventy-five dollars ($75.) or more.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.

§ 22-6 Penalties for offenses.

In addition to any penalty contained in any other provision of law, any such town employee who shall knowingly and intentionally violate any of the provisions of this chapter may be fined, suspended or removed from office or employment in the manner provided by law.