§ 2-68. Conflicts of interest generally—Impartiality.

(a)

Officers and employees shall avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. An appearance of a conflict of interest exists when a reasonable person would conclude from the surrounding circumstances that the ability of the officer or employee to protect the public interest or impartially perform a public duty is compromised by financial or personal interests in the matter or transaction. The appearance of a conflict of interest can exist even in the absence of an actual conflict of interest, which exists whenever the officer or employee knows or should know that he or she has an interest that may be affected by his or her official acts or actions.

(b)

No officer or employee shall by his or her conduct give reasonable basis for the impression that any person can improperly influence him or her, or unduly enjoy his or her favor, in the performance of any official acts or actions.

(c)

No officer or employee shall, by virtue of his or her position with the county, except as necessary in the performance of his or her official duties, directly or indirectly influence or attempt to influence the decision of any other officer or employee who must act to further any county procurement, policy, contract, matter, or transaction.

(Code 1983, § 23-9-3; 99-0456, § 3, 3-17-99; Res. No. 03-1531, 2-4-04)