To achieve effective and democratic local government, the Council-Manager
Plan provides that policies shall be determined by the governing body elected
by the people and that the administration of such policies shall be vested
in the Town Manager, who shall be appointed by and be responsible to the governing
body. The purpose is to increase the proficiency of Town Managers and to aid
in the improvement of municipal government. To further these objectives, it
is believed that certain ethical principles should govern the conduct of every
Town Manager.
In order to merit the respect and confidence of the general public,
all employees and elected and appointed municipal officials of the Town of
South Berwick must constantly be governed by the highest ideals of honor and
integrity in all their public relationships. Employees shall conduct themselves
in such a manner as to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. All employees
are urged to familiarize themselves with the state and federal laws relating
to prohibited conduct of public employees.
Individual department heads under the supervision of the Town Manager
are responsible for enforcing the policy for Town employees. Each board or
committee is responsible for examining conflict-of-interest issues of each
of their members in accordance with guidelines established herein and by state
and federal laws. It is recommended that boards adopt a practice of examining
agenda items on the record at the start of meetings to determine if a conflict
of interest situation exists.
The Town of South Berwick shall provide periodic training for board
members to assist them in recognizing conflicts of interest and to familiarize
them with state and federal laws.
Sanctions may be imposed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Maine and of the United States government upon Town officials/employees who
are found to have violated this policy.