Download PDF Packet - Agenda

the civil rights of other employees or anyone/group of the general public. Courteous and 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. [As amended on
6/19/2001]
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 Texas Penal Code Annotated 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, Texas Penal Code Annotated 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 Texas Penal Code Annotated.
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
Civil Service Commission 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 Civil Service Commission will accept, hear, and issue rulings on
grievances pertaining to this subject. 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.
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Nueces County Civil Service Commission Page -40-
Rules and Regulations [Adopted on ___________]