Ethics

The conduct of Temple public officials is governed by the City Charter, the Code of Ordinances
and State Law. Members of the City Council and the members of all boards and commissions appointed or confirmed by the City Council must be knowledgeable of the City Charter, the Code of Ordinances and State Law regarding ethics when participating in and making decisions while serving on a board or commission.

Conflict of Interest

The City Secretary’s Office processes all Conflict of Interest Forms in accordance with requirements of the Texas Ethics Commission.

Chapter 176, Local Government Code

Section 176.006 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended through HB 23, requires a vendor of the City of Temple to file a completed Conflict of Interest Questionnaire  if the vendor has a business relationship with the City and:
(a)has an employment or other business relationship with a City of Temple government officer or a family member of the City of Temple government officer that results in that person receiving taxable income, other than investment income, that is more than $2,500 in the preceding twelve months;
(b)has given a City of Temple government officer or an officer’s family member, one or more gifts totaling more than $100 in the preceding twelve months, excluding a political contribution as defined by Title 15 of the Election Code or food accepted as a guest; or
(c) has a family relationship with a City of Temple government officer.

A vendor is required to file a completed questionnaire with the City Secretary’s office not later than the seventh business day after the later of the following:
(a)the date the vendor begins discussions or negotiations to enter into a contract with the City of Temple or submits an application or response to a bid proposal; or
(b)the date the vendor becomes aware of any business relationship as outlined in the preceding paragraph.
“Government officer” means:
(a)a member of the governing body (i.e. mayor or council member);
(b)a director, superintendent, administrator, or other person designated as an executive officer of the City of Temple; or
(c)an agent of the City of Temple who exercise discretion in the planning, recommending, selecting, or contracting of a vendor.

State law requires that a vendor file an updated completed questionnaire with the City Secretary’s office not later than the 7th business day after the date on which the vendor becomes aware of an event that would make a statement in the questionnaire incomplete or inaccurate.

The Conflict of Interest Questionnaire can be downloaded from the City‘s website www.templetx.gov under the City Secretary’s tab for Public Information. Compliance with this law is the responsibility of each bidder/vendor.