Download PDF Packet - Agenda

thoughtful conduct on the part of all county employees, while physically on duty with the county
and/or while in representation of the county government, is a specific objective of this policy.
GIFTS:
5.02 Gifts shall not be accepted from contractors, vendors or other persons who deal with Nueces
County, except as provided by law. The intent of this section is to extend the prohibitions of section
36.08 Tex. Pen. Code Ann. to employees of the county as well as elected officials, public servants, or
appointed officials who are already subject thereto. This section specifically prohibits employees
from accepting tips while exercising their official duty. Exceptions to this section are only those
identified in Section 36.10, TEX. Pen. Code Ann. which allows for gifts between relatives and
friends that are of a personal nature. Also acceptable are gifts or benefits conferred for a professional
or business relationship that is independent of the official county capacity of the recipient. Neither
does this section restrict any of the social activities of employees or the designate of elected officials
that are designed to promote a legitimate interest of the County, either formally or informally. This
section does not apply to any employee receiving any benefit consisting of food, lodging,
transportation or entertainment when accepted as a guest and reported in accordance with the law. In
summary, this code does not apply to any benefit that is defined as non-applicable according to
Section 36.10 Tex. Pen. Code Ann.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND JOB CONDUCT:
5.03 Since the nature of county public service obligates every county employee to act as a
representative therefore, personal appearance requires a dress code appropriate for the job. Providing
therein that said employees maintain a neat appearance and that attire prescribed by department
heads is appropriate for public service and is reasonable for the fiscal means of the employee. The
Commissioners Court herein defines the term "REASONABLE DRESS" to mean attire that is
accepted by society in establishments of common use by the general public, and appropriate for
professional environments frequented by children and adolescents of impressionable age. Equally,
the term REASONABLE DRESS is intended to mean of a fiscal category that does not impose
undue hardship on employees of the lowest salary range for the job. Specifically, this term is not
intended to provide means for anyone to discriminate against anyone for the type of dress they wear.
In all cases of dispute, the employee shall have the right to exercise the grievance process.
Specifically, the intent of this provision is to establish and maintain uniform standards for a dress
code that serves the needs of the county.
Pleasant telephone manners and good housekeeping are also appropriate attire required of all county
employees. Equally important, employees are required to practice punctuality, good attendance,
honesty, and other work values as are necessary to promote goodwill and high morale among
employees, executives, and officials of the county. It shall be the right of Nueces County to prescribe
the maintenance standards for work place neatness of all work components or facilities used by
employees in the line of duty.
USE OF COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY:
5.04 Any time that County property is used in conjunction with employment, extra care should be
exercised to minimize damage to the equipment or waste of supplies. Office machines, maintenance
equipment, tools, etc., should be properly stored and cared for at the close of each business day. No
employee of the County shall intentionally or negligently damage County equipment or property.
Nueces County Personnel Policy Manual Page -38-
Approved by Commissioners Court on January _____, 2013