There may be situations where a member serves in more than one position even for a short period of time. If faced with this circumstance, it is important to disclose to the governing body the potential conflicts with the member’s primary role so they can be appropriately managed.
There is also the need to fully think through the issue of compensation to ensure any raises for taking on additional responsibility are in line with the local government’s compensation policy and would not be so excessive or exorbitant as to undermine public trust. Some examples are if the manager needs to temporarily fill in the role of human resources director for a few weeks until that recruitment process is complete, or the local government is considering a policy change that would permit the assistant city manager to simultaneously serve as the executive director of the city’s economic development agency.
Applicable Tenet and Guidelines
Tenet 3. Demonstrate by word and action the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all public, professional, and personal relationships in order that the member may merit the trust and respect of the elected and appointed officials, employees, and the public.
Guideline on Public Confidence. Members should conduct themselves so as to maintain public confidence in their position and profession, the integrity of their local government, and in their responsibility to uphold the public trust.
Guideline on Conflicting Roles. Members who serve multiple roles – either within the local government organization or externally – should avoid participating in matters that create either a conflict of interest or the perception of one. They should disclose any potential conflict to the governing body so that it can be managed appropriately.