The following policies were updated by the Board on 1/28/16:

HR Policy G Employee Conduct; General Policy 11 Purchasing Policy, and General Policy 26 Purchasing card were updated to add language regarding ethics.  Last fall we did employee training on ethics.  In speaking with the trainer beforehand we discussed the need to implement some additional language in our policies regarding ethics. Many of our policies regarding gifts and conflicts of interests mirror the state code. A phrase in §31 of the state constitution references the need for public funds to be used for a public purpose. As our policies did not specifically include this phrase, we decided to add it to policies G, 11 and 26 to reinforce the ethical standard.  There are Attorney General Opinions that offer some guidance on whether a purchase serves a public purpose. If you need additional guidance supervisors should reach out to HR or the County Attorney’s office. Additionally in Policy G language was added to discourage the wearing of clothing with the County logo in places that would not present a positive image of the county, such as bars. Also added was a reminder that lunch from a vendor is prohibited by the state gift law.

General Policy 21 Posting of Materials The policy was updated to emphasize and remind employees to utilize the electronic bulletin board for the posting of items rather than email server.  In 2014 a communication survey indicated that employees do obtain information from the intranet. The electronic bulletin board is the proper place to notify co-workers of fundraisers and community events. Updates to the intranet will make this forum easier to use in the coming months. Any requests for links on our website and social media sites should be directed to the Webmaster.

General Policy 1 Board of Supervisors’ Appointments updates the lists of Boards and Commissions.

If you have any questions let me or your supervisor know. As always the full text of the policy can be viewed at: http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/hr/policies