Conflict of Interest Policy

Conflict of Interest Policy

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  • Sno-Isle Libraries provides access to its public records under the provisions of the Washington State Public Records Act RCW 42.56, the Public Records Policy, and the Public Records Request Administrative Policy.  

    The Library makes a variety of records available online, including, but not limited to: 

    Other records maintained by the Library are available for public inspection or copy, unless specifically exempted by law.  

    Use of the Library’s Public Records Request form is the most efficient way to make a request; however, its use isn’t required for a request to be processed. Requests may be submitted in person, via mail, email, or phone. To best assist you, include the following information: 

    • Contact information of requester 
    • Identification of the public records adequate to locate the records 
    • Whether you wish to inspect the records in person and/or purchase physical or digital copies 
    • The date and time of day of the request 

    Anyone wishing to inspect or receive a copy of the Library’s public records or seeking assistance in making such a request should contact the Library’s Public Records Officer: 

    Stacy Siler
    Public Records Officer

    Sno-Isle Libraries
    7312 35th Ave NE
    Marysville, WA 98271-7417
    Phone: 360-651-7026/ Fax: 360-651-7151
    publicrecordsofficer@sno-isle.org 

    The more precisely you can identify the record(s) you seek, the more responsive the Library can be. You do not need to state the purpose of your request. However, in an effort to clarify or prioritize a request and provide responsive documents, the Public Records Officer may inquire about the nature or scope of the request. 

Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees Policy

Purpose

To preserve the integrity of the decision-making process of Sno-Isle Libraries (Library District). The Library District has adopted and maintains this Conflict of Interest Policy to oversee the participation of its Trustees and Staff in matters in which they may have a conflict of interest.

Scope

Outline the roles and responsibilities of Trustees and Staff in regard to conflicts of interest.

Definitions

Staff are full-time and part-time employees of the Library District.

Trustee is an individual appointed to serve as a member of the Sno-Isle Libraries’ Board of Trustees.

Conflict of interest is a situation in which a person’s private interests-such as financial gain, personal relationships, or other affiliations-could improperly influence their professional decisions or responsibilities.

For the purpose of this policy conflict of interest could include Procurement, Human Resources hiring processes, etc.

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is a compilation of all permanent laws currently in force. It is a collection of Session Laws (enacted by Legislature, and signed by the Governor, or enacted via the initiative process), arranged by topic, with amendments added and repealed laws removed. It does not include temporary laws such as appropriations acts.

Implementation

The Trustees and Staff are expected to exercise their judgment and powers in the best interests of the Library in preference to their individual interests and the interests of third parties when evaluating and approving transactions and other arrangements undertaken by and otherwise performing and discharging their respective functions as Trustees or Staff.

This Policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state laws governing conflicts of interest applicable to public libraries.

No Trustee or Staff member may use their position to obtain financial or other gain for their own benefit, or to benefit a relative or significant other, or any entity in which the Trustee, employee or their relative or significant other has a significant ownership interest.

Trustees and Staff will uphold the four provisions of the code of ethics below:

  1. No Trustee or Staff may use their position to secure special privileges or exemptions for themselves or others.
  2. No Trustee or Staff may, directly or indirectly, give or receive any compensation, gift, gratuity, or reward from any source, except the employing municipality, for a matter connected with or related to their services unless otherwise provided by law.
  3. No Trustee or Staff may accept employment or engage in business that they might reasonably expect would require them to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of their official position.
  4. No Trustee or Staff may disclose confidential information gained by reason of their position, nor may they use such information for their personal gain.

Roles and Responsibilities

Acknowledgement of Conflict of Interest policy and Disclosure Form

Upon appointment and annually thereafter, all Trustees and Staff, shall complete, sign, and submit to Library Human Resources, a completed written acknowledgment of this Conflict of Interest Policy affirming that they have:

  1. Received a copy of the Policy.
  2. Read and understand the Policy.
  3. Agreed to comply with the Policy.

Obligation to report potential or actual Conflict of Interest

If any Trustee or Staff member perceives a possible conflict of interest  the possible conflict shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and/or the Director of Human Resources in a timely manner.

A Trustee or Staff member who recognizes an actual or potential conflict of interest, any financial or personal beneficial interest, direct or indirect, must abstain voluntarily from discussing, voting, or decision-making on any issue that raises such conflict of interest.

Addressing a conflict of interest

For Board of Trustees or Executive Director

The Board, as a whole, shall determine whether the issue represents a conflict of interest for members of the Board or the Executive Director, and issue a course of action mitigating such conflict of interest, including any action related to the failure to report a potential conflict of interest in a timely manner.

For Staff

The Executive Director shall set and enforce administrative policies for staff that address conflict of interest. Such policies shall be developed in accordance with Washington State law.

Associated Policies and Laws

  • Washington State RCW 42.23.030. Interest in contracts prohibited—Exceptions.
  • Washington State RCW 42.23.070. Prohibited acts.
  • Washington State RCW 42.52. Ethics in Public Service.
  • Washington State RCW 42.52.140. Gifts.
  • Washington State RCW 42.52.150. Limitations on gifts.

Process

This policy is reviewed every four (4) years by the Executive Director (or designee) who makes recommendations to the appropriate Board Committee. The Committee reviews and revises as necessary, endorses, and advances to the full Board for approval.

Policy History

Date approved: July 28, 2025
Next review date: 2029
Date adopted: November 22, 2021

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