HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.2025 - Lisa HagerCity Council Code of Ethics
The mayor and council are responsible for making policy decisions for the community. The City Council
provides vision, direction and leadership to the community and the organization. The City Council further
represents the Brookings Community. In order to maintain and enhance public trust and confidence in our
local government, to achieve equity and social justice, to affirm human dignity, and to better the quality of
life for residents of Brookings, the members of the City Council dedicate themselves to the stewardship of
the public trust. Therefore, Council Members embrace the following ideals, seeking to.
Uphold constitutional government and the laws of the City of Brookings by recognizing they are an agent
for the democratic process and not a sole individual representing the City Council;
• Conduct public and private life as to be an example for fellow citizens and take responsibility for
their actions, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular to do so;
• Be mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all and to extend the same
treatment they wish to receive;
• Abstain from participation and voting when a conflict of interest exists in accordance with the
Brookings City Charter, Section 7.01 (a) Conflicts of Interest provision and Ordinance 2-63;
• Be tolerant, respectful, and attentive to diverse ideas, suggestions and opinions;
• Maintain and respect the confidentiality of private and confidential information;
• Treat all persons, claims, and transactions in a fair and equitable manner;
• Attend and be actively engaged in regular and special meetings, including briefings, and public
functions where their presence is expected and be prepared in the execution of such;
• Be a prudent steward of public resources, and actively consider the impact of their decisions on the
financial and social stability of the City and its citizens;
• Make decisions based on the merits of the issue with attention to due process and citizen
participation;
• Be knowledgeable and develop an understanding of local, state, and national governmental
guidance, directives, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the position.
• Be prepared to make unpopular decisions based on their interpretation of the public's best interest.
• Make decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts involving staff and
stakeholders which considers the goals, impacts and the best interest of the greatest number of those
affected.
It is the policy of the City of Brookings to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics
from all its Council members. Brookings Council members shall maintain the utmost standards of personal
integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in
their roles as public servants including the appearance of impropriety, and never use their city position or
powers for improper personal gain.
The code of ethical behavior will govern members of the City Council. City Council members are
encouraged to monitor their compliance and offer constructive recommendations to fellow Council
members if necessary. Members of the City Council will accept these ideals and policy, and pledge to do in
the interest and purposes for which the government has been established.
_51b12025 _
Date Signature
City Council Policy —CC#204
Updated 2024