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Tenet 4
Recognize that the chief function of local
government at all times is to serve the best interests of all the
people.
Guideline:
Length of Service:
A minimum of two years generally is considered necessary in
order to render a professional service to the local government.
A short tenure should be the exception rather than a
recurring experience. However, under special circumstances it may be
in the best interests of the local government and the member to
separate in a shorter time. Examples of such circumstances would
include refusal of the appointing authority to honor commitments
concerning conditions of employment, a vote of no confidence in the
member, or severe personal problems. It is the responsibility of an
applicant for a position to ascertain conditions of employment.
Inadequately determining
terms of employment prior to arrival does not justify premature
termination.
Case Study:
A person was appointed as City Manager and arrived
to serve in the City.
After arriving the Manager discovered that the City provided medical
insurance for employees’ families but did not provide it to him for
his family because, they said, of his salary.
This was not discussed or included in the offer of the
position in follow up discussions. There was not anything in writing
that either confirmed or denied this benefit. The Council elected
not to provide it although requested.
After being on the job for six months an election was held
and two members of a five-member Board were elected that campaigned
on a need for change in the administration. With the first budget
proposal and the granting of a 5% increase to the employees, the
Council elected to withhold it from the City Manager.
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