Library Board of Trustees Agenda and Packet 2013 05 09

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Louisville Public Library Code of Ethics & Conflict of Interest Statements The Code of Ethics also prohibits common forms of nepotism. For example, no officer, public body member, or employee shall be responsible for employment matters concerning a relative. Nor can he or she influence compensation paid to a relative, and a relative of a current officer, public body member or employee cannot be hired unless certain personnel rules are followed. Other Ethics Rules of Interest Like state law, Louisville's Code of Ethics prohibits the use of non-public information for personal or private gain. It also prohibits acts of advantage or favoritism and, in that regard, prohibits special considerations, use of employee time for personal or private reasons, and use of City vehicles or equipment, except in same manner as available to any other person (or in manner that will substantially benefit City). The City also has a "revolving door" rule that prohibits elected officials from becoming City employees either during their time in office or for two years after leaving office. These and other rules of conduct are found in Section 5-9 of the Code of Ethics. Disclosure, Enforcement, and Advisory Opinions The Code of Ethics requires that those holding or running for City Council file a financial disclosure statement with the City Clerk. The statement must include, among other information, the person's employer and occupation, sources of income, and a list of business and property holdings. The Code of Ethics provides fair and certain procedures for its enforcement. Complaints of violations may be filed with the City prosecutor; the complaint must be a detailed written and verified statement. If the complaint is against an elected or appointed official, it is forwarded to an independent judge who appoints a special, independent prosecutor for purposes of investigation and appropriate action. If against an employee, the City prosecutor will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action. In all cases, the person who is subject to the complaint is given the opportunity to provide information concerning the complaint. Finally, the Code allows persons who are subject to the Code to request an advisory opinion if they are uncertain as to applicability of the Code to a particular situation, or as to the definition of terms used in the Code. Such requests are handled by an advisory judge, selected from a panel of independent, disinterested judges who have agreed to provide their services. This device allows persons who are subject to the Code to resolve uncertainty before acting, so that a proper course of conduct may be identified. Any person who requests and acts in accordance with an advisory opinion issued by an advisory judge is not subject to City penalty, unless material facts were omitted or misstated in the request. Advisory opinions are posted for public inspection; the advisory judge may order a delay in posting if the judge determines the delay is in the City's best interest. Ethics & Conflict of Interest Statements Page 3 of 3