(The following Code and Acknowledgment Form was prepared by Dr. Ron Barnette and the Office of City Manager, Dunedin, Florida, and approved by the Dunedin City Commission on July 15, 2004)

City of Dunedin

Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics

• Integrity – I shall make no promises or commitments I cannot reasonably expect to fulfill, and I shall maintain appropriate social, ethical, and organizational norms in City related activities.

• Ethics – I pledge to maintain the highest standards of professional behavior and to comply with the laws, regulations, and policies under which we operate.

• Civility – I pledge to help create an atmosphere of respect and civility where individual Commissioners, City Manager and staff, department heads, committee and board members, and the public are free to express their ideas and work to their full potential.

• Respect for the Individual – I respect the diversity of Commissioners, City employees, committee members, and citizens, to provide fair and equitable treatment in all areas, and to encourage personal and professional growth.

• Communication – I pledge to be open, consistent, truthful, and respectful in all communications, written and verbal, as this is vital for reflective and sound decision making for the Dunedin community.

• Teamwork – I shall work together with others, with mutual respect, to achieve organizational goals, recognizing that unity of purpose and effort leads to increased productivity and greater accomplishments.

• Leadership – I shall lead by example, using appropriate interpersonal skills, and shall strive to maximize citizen and employee involvement to further the vision of Dunedin’s quality community.

• Creativity and Innovation – I shall strive to stimulate and appreciate new concepts and solutions suggested by all, as Dunedin’s creative community is enriched.

• Quality – I shall strive for excellence in every phase of our work.

• Stewardship – I shall strive to make a positive contribution to our City and to enhance the quality of services throughout the Dunedin community.

• Efficiency – I shall work to attain our goals by optimizing the use of our energy, time and resources.

• Organizational Sensitivity – I shall consider the impact of all decisions on resources and to recognize the limitations imposed by our environment.

• Adaptability – I shall respond efficiently and effectively to the needs of our citizens as well as to changes in our environment.

• Recognition – I shall recognize and value individual contributions to the Dunedin community, as the City’s mission and vision are pursued.

City of Dunedin

Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics

Acknowledgment Form

The Dunedin City Commission has adopted a Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics for members of the City Commission, Boards and Committees to assure Public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation.

It is the policy of the City of Dunedin to uphold, promote and demand the highest standards of civility and ethics from all of its officials, whether elected or appointed.  Accordingly, members of the City Commission, Boards and Committees should maintain the utmost standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, civility and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in their roles as public servants, and never use their City position or powers for improper personal gain.   (F.S. 112.311/City Code Sec. 2-93) 

 Implementation

 The Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics is intended to be self-enforcing.  It therefore becomes most effective when members are thoroughly familiar with it and embrace its provisions.

 For this reason, the Core Values of Civility and Ethical standards shall be included in the regular orientations for the City Commission, Boards and Committees.  All members of the City Commission, Boards and Committees shall sign a statement affirming that they read and understood the City of Dunedin Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics. 

 Compliance and Enforcement

 The Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics expresses standards of ethical conduct expected from members of the Dunedin City Commission, Boards and Committees.  Members themselves have the primary responsibility to assure that civil and ethical standards are understood and met, and that the public can continue to have full confidence in the integrity of government.

 The Mayor and chairs of all boards and committees have the additional responsibility to intervene when actions of their respective members appear to be in violation of the Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics.

 A violation of this policy shall not be considered a basis for challenging the validity of a City Commission decision.

 I acknowledge that I have received orientation on the City of Dunedin’s Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics.  I understand the behaviors that constitute civility and ethics and that it is my responsibility to read and understand this document.  I also acknowledge that I will live by these cores values at all times while representing the City.

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Signature                                                                                             Date

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Date                                                                 Employee Signature