Ethics
Teton County government exists to: (1) provide services and functions mandated by the State of
Idaho; and (2) protect and enhance the health, safety and welfare of County residents. Every action
taken by Elected Officials and employees should promote one of these purposes and should be
undertaken in an ethical manner that promotes public trust and confidence.
County employees should:
Work cooperatively and consistently to provide public service of the highest possible quality
and quantity
Perform all tasks and conduct all affairs consistently in a manner that promotes a reputation of
integrity and impartial adherence to all applicable laws
Treat members of the public and other employees with dignity and respect and in a manner
which builds trust and credibility
Scrupulously avoid personal behaviors which would bring unfavorable public impressions upon
Teton County and its officials
Avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest
Protect all confidential information not considered a matter of public record
Follow all applicable laws and speak up if they become aware of violations by other employees
Read and follow all provisions of Chapter III of the Teton County Personnel Policy entitled
Rules of Employee Conduct and the Ethics in Government handbook published by the Idaho
Attorney General
County employees should not:
Use their public position for personal gain
Give preferential treatment to any person or entity
Engage in abusive or hurtful conduct to fellow employees or to the public, whether in person or
via any other method of communication
Participate in illegal activities, including discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender,
age, disability or national origin
Abuse employee benefit offerings
Use county resources (including time, material, equipment and information) for personal gain
or to the benefit of persons not otherwise entitled to utilize those resources
Accept gifts with a value greater than $50 (see Idaho Statute 18-1356)
In most cases, appropriate decisions can be made by using good judgment, based on high ethical
principles. However, if a situation arises where the ethically correct decision or action is not readily
apparent, Elected Officials and employees are encouraged to consult with their supervisor or with the
County Prosecutor, and to ask themselves the following questions:
Have I been asked to misrepresent information or deviate from normal procedure?
Would I feel comfortable describing my situation to my supervisor or to the people who elected
me?
How would it look if this decision made the newspaper headlines?
What would I tell my child to do?
Is this the right thing to do?
Does this follow county policy?
Revision: 0
Date: 11/17/11
Original Issue Date: 11/17/11
Number of Pages: 1
Approved: BOCC
TETON COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Ethics