Code of Ethics, Public Disclosure

Approved: 9-12-96
Revised: 8-13-98
Revised: 8-10-00
Revised: 8-15-02
Revised: 8-12-04
Approved: 8-10-06

POLICY

The proper and ethical operation of the Daniel Boone Regional Library System (System) requires that officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that decisions and public policy be made through the proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of the System’s operation. In recognition of these goals, a policy is hereby established for disclosure by certain officials and employees of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the System.

Conflicts of Interest

Members of the Board of Trustees having a substantial personal or private interest, as defined by state law, in any policy, or decision made by the Board shall disclose for inclusion in the Board minutes the nature of the member’s interest and shall be disqualified from voting on any matters relating to this interest. Also, all members of the Board of Trustees and the Director must comply with Section 105.454 of the Revised Missouri Statutes on conflicts of interest as well as any other state law governing official conduct.

Disclosure Reports

A. The following information shall be included as a public record of the System:

1. Each transaction in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) during the calendar year between a Trustee, Director or Head of Financial Services, including any persons related within the first degree by consanguinity or affinity to such persons, and the System, excluding compensation received as an employee, or payment of any fine, tax, fee, or penalty due the System. This shall include the dates and identities of the parties in the transactions.
   
2. Each transaction in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) during the calendar year between any business entity in which such individuals have a substantial interest and the System excluding any payment of tax, fee or Code of Ethics, Public Disclosure Page 2 of 3 penalty due to the System. This shall include the dates and identities of the parties in the transactions.

B. The Director and Head of Financial Services also shall disclose in writing by May 1 for the previous calendar year the following information:

1. The name and address of each of the employers of such person from whom income of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more was received during the year covered by the statement.
   
2. The name and address of each sole proprietorship that such person owned; the name, address and the general nature of the business conducted of each general partnership and joint venture in which the individual was a partner or participant; the name and address of each partner or co-participant for each partnership or joint venture unless such names and addresses are filed by the partnership or joint venture with the Secretary of State; the name, address and general nature of the business conducted of any closely held corporation or limited partnership in which the person owned ten percent or more of any class of the outstanding stock or limited partnership units; and the name of any publicly traded corporation or limited partnership that is listed on a regulated stock exchange or automated quotation system in which the person owned two percent or more of any class of outstanding stock, limited partnership units or other equity interests.
   
3. The name and address of each corporation for which such person served in the capacity of a director, officer or receiver.

Filing of Reports

The recording secretary of the Board of Trustees shall file a certified copy of this policy within ten days of adoption with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Disclosure reports due shall be filed no later than May 1st with the Missouri Ethics Commission and shall cover the preceding calendar year. Such reports will be made available at the System’s administrative office, for public inspection and copying during normal business hours. Reports shall be retained by the System for five years.

Report forms developed by the state ethics commission shall be appended to this policy and used for reporting activities.

A newly hired Director or Head of Financial Services shall file the statement within thirty days of such appointment or employment.

Officials and Trustees may supplement their financial interest statement to report additional interests acquired after December 31 of the covered year and prior to the date of filing of the financial interest statement.

Definitions

First degree of consanguinity or affinity includes father, mother, spouse, son or daughter by virtue of a blood relationship or marriage.

Substantial interest is ownership by the individual, his or her spouse, or dependent children, either singularly or collectively of ten percent or more of any business entity or an interest having a value of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, or the receipt of a salary, gratuity, or other compensation of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more from any individual, partnership, organization, or association within any calendar year.

Force and Effect

This policy shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval and shall remain in effect until amended or repealed by the Board of Trustees.