HANNIBAL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Code of Ethics and Public Disclosure Policy

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees & Effective October 12, 2009

Adoption affirmed by Library Board of Trustees on October 10, 2011, October 14, 2013,
and on October 12, 2015

The proper operation of government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that government decisions and policy be made in the proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public has confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established a procedure for disclosure by certain officials and employees of private financial or other interests in matters affecting Hannibal Free Public Library.

Conflicts of Interest

Members of the Board of Trustees as well as employees of Hannibal Free Public Library must comply with section 105.454 of Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) on conflicts of interest as well as any other state law governing official conduct.  Any member of the Board of Trustees who has a “substantial or private interest” in any measure, bill, order or ordinance proposed or pending before such governing body must disclose that interest to the Library Director or Board Secretary, and such disclosure shall be recorded in Board minutes.

Substantial or private interest is defined as ownership by the individual, his spouse, or his dependent children, whether singularly or collectively, directly or indirectly of: (1) 10% or more of any business entity; or (2) an interest having a value of $10,000 or more; or (3) the receipt of a salary, gratuity, or other compensation or remuneration of $5,000 or more, per year, from any individual, partnership, organization, or association within any calendar year.

Filing

Because Hannibal Free Public Library’s budget is below the filing threshold, the Library is the only entity required to file a report with the Missouri Ethics Commission on an annual basis.  The Library Director shall be responsible for filing in a timely manner. 

AUTHORITY

This policy updates and replaces previous policies concerning Code of Ethics and Public Disclosure.  It supplements the Personnel Policy Manual section on ethics.

The Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo)182.200.2 (2007) provides that

They shall make and adopt such bylaws, rules and regulations for their own guidance, and for the government of the library, as may be expedient, and not inconsistent with sections 182.140 to 182.301.

This policy has been adopted by the Hannibal Free Public Library Board of Trustees under its statutory authority.