Ethics

Utah Municipal Clerks Association Code of Ethics

The Utah Municipal Clerks Association is a diverse group of individuals who have been appointed to represent twenty-nine counties and 241 incorporated cities and towns throughout the State of Utah. Founded in 1981, UMCA promotes professionalism, education, competence, and networking, and is guided by the highest standards of personal integrity and professional conduct.

Preamble

By promoting and maintaining high ideals and traditions in public service, we, as members of the Utah Municipal Clerks Association, hereby endorse the following principles and ethics which we pledge will regulate our personal conduct as Municipal Clerks and Recorders within the municipalities we serve and within the State of Utah.

Article 1: Accountability

There is a moral obligation to live up to the promises made in the Oath of Office. Municipal Clerks and Recorders affirm that they will support, obey and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of Utah, and will discharge the duties of their office with fidelity. UMCA Members are accountable for carrying out their assigned duties in compliance with municipal, state and federal laws and mandates.

Article 2: Integrity

UMCA Members should provide service to the public in a manner which is courteous, equitable, efficient and effective. They should be sensitive and responsive to the changing needs, wishes and rights of the public while complying with the legal and constitutional framework within which service to the public is provided. Members should demonstrate commitment to professionalism and be accurate, truthful, and candid in all communications with the public.

Article 3: Individual Development

UMCA Members should strive to improve their professional knowledge and skills and should work toward certification and the improvement of standards of education and training.

Article 4: Professional Development

UMCA Members should be guided by the highest standards of honesty, integrity, loyalty, fairness, impartiality and professional conduct. They should not conduct themselves, either publicly or privately, in such a manner as may disgrace the office to which they have been appointed. Members should avoid even the appearance of impropriety. UMCA Members should not disclose to any member of the public, either orally or in writing, any secret or confidential information acquired by virtue of their official position, nor should they use information gained as a result of their position for personal gain. They shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, sex, disability or national origin.

Article 5: Duties & Responsibilities

UMCA Members should be knowledgeable about and comply with the requirements and intent of all applicable laws, codes and regulations. They have a duty to serve the public and the municipalities in which they serve to the best of their ability.

Article 6: Subscribe to the Principals and Ethics of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks

Believing in freedom throughout the world, allowing increased cooperation between Municipal Clerks and other officials, nationally and internationally, I do hereby subscribe to the following principles and ethics which I affirm will govern my personal conduct as Municipal Clerk;

To uphold constitutional government and the laws of my community;

To so conduct my public and private life as to be an example to my fellow citizens;

To impart to my profession those standards of quality and integrity that the conduct of the affairs of my office shall be above reproach and to merit public confidence in our community;

To be ever mindful of my neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all and to extend the same treatment I wish to receive myself;

To record that which is true and preserve that which is entrusted to me as if it were my own; and

To strive constantly to improve the administration of the affairs of my office consistent with applicable laws and through sound management practices to produce continued progress and so fulfill my responsibilities to my community and others.

These things I, as Municipal Clerk, do pledge to do in the interest and purposes for which our
government has been established.

Article 7: A Conflict of Interest

UMCA Members should not engage in any business or transactions or have any financial or other personal interest that is, or may appear to be, incompatible with the performance of their official duties. They should not, in the performance of their duties, seek personal or private gain by granting preferential treatment to any persons.

I, as a member of the Utah Municipal Clerks Association, believe in and will comply with the principles of the UMCA Code of Ethics.