Title
Resolution adopting the endorsement of standards of conduct for appointed officials to Lake County boards and commissions.
Staff Summary
· The Chairman of the Lake County Board appoints members to over 70 different boards, commissions, districts, and other special purpose units of government.
· The County Board Chairman and County Board do not have statutory authority over the day to day operations of these bodies.
· The Chairman of the Lake County Board desires to have those that volunteer to serve, but are entrusted with fiscal and operational authority to oversee the public bodies, do so in a transparent and responsible manner.
· The Chairman also insists that those who serve be responsible to the elected representative that appoints them on an ongoing basis to ensure an open and accountable culture is maintained.
· The Chairman has created the attached Standards of Conduct to serve as guiding principles and serve to improve communications between the County and appointed members.
Body
WHEREAS, Lake County recognizes that a code of conduct for officials appointed by the Lake County Board is necessary to prevent conflicts of interest, improve standards of public service, and promote and strengthen the faith and confidence of its constituents; and
WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Lake County Board appoints members to over 70 different boards, commissions, districts, and other special purpose units of government; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with state statute, the sole authority for the fiscal and managerial oversight of the special purpose units of government is with the appointed members; and
WHEREAS, the County Board Chairman and County Board do not have statutory authority over the day to day operations of these bodies; and
WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Lake County Board desires to have those that volunteer to serve, but are entrusted with fiscal and operational authority to oversee the public bodies, do so in a transparent and responsible manner; and
WHEREAS, the Chairman also insists that those who serve be responsible to the elected representative that appoints them on an ongoing basis to ensure an open and accountable culture is maintained; and
WHEREAS, the Chairman has created the attached Standards of Conduct to serve as guiding principles and serve to improve communications between the County and appointed members; and
WHEREAS, the Chairman will require all appointed officials to agree to the Standards of Conduct.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake County Board respects and commends the nearly 300 volunteers who serve on the appointed boards and commissions for the betterment of their community and to improve the quality of life for the residents of Lake County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Lake County Board endorses the Standards of Conduct and supports the Chairman in his efforts to create a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, fiscal responsibility, and an efficient and transparent relationship between the appointed boards and commissions and the County Board Chairman.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on ___, 2013.