Certified City of Ethics

Upholding Good Governance

The City of McDonough is steadfastly committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and good governance. This Code of Ethics serves as a foundational document, guiding all elected officials, appointed board members, and employees in their duties and interactions. It is built upon our Strategic Priorities, ensuring that every action taken reflects our dedication to public trust, accountability, and the well-being of our community.

Our Mission Statement: To make a positive difference in the community by efficiently managing public resources and providing effective services and leadership that meet and surpass the expectations of our citizens.

Our Vision Statement: The City of McDonough is a caring and thriving community that embraces our historic past while fostering a vibrant, safe, and sustainable future.

Our commitment to ethical governance ensures that The City of McDonough remains a place where integrity thrives, public resources are managed responsibly, and every citizen is served with fairness and respect.

Core Ethical Principles

All individuals serving The City of McDonough are expected to embody the following core ethical principles:

  • Integrity: Act with honesty, truthfulness, and strong moral principles in all public and professional dealings.

  • Accountability: Be responsible for actions and decisions, and be transparent about their impact.

  • Impartiality: Make decisions and provide services without bias or favoritism.

  • Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

  • Stewardship: Protect and responsibly manage public resources, assets, and information.

Our Code of Ethics Through Strategic Priorities

This Code of Ethics is directly aligned with The City of McDonough's Strategic Priorities, demonstrating how our values translate into actionable ethical standards:

1. Citizen Engagement

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to actively encouraging and valuing the participation of residents in the decision-making process and in local governance. This involves creating accessible and inclusive channels for citizen feedback, listening attentively to community concerns, and ensuring that public perspectives meaningfully inform policy development and city actions.

2. Fiscal Responsibility, Accountability, and Transparency

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to the prudent and responsible management of all public funds and assets. This includes adhering strictly to financial regulations, ensuring transparency in budgeting and expenditures, and safeguarding against waste, fraud, and abuse. Every financial decision will prioritize the long-term fiscal health and best interests of The City of McDonough and its residents, with clear accountability to the public.

3. Collaboration and Innovation

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to fostering effective collaboration across different city departments, with external partners, and among community stakeholders. We will encourage and embrace innovative solutions to address community challenges, ensuring that new ideas are explored responsibly and ethically to benefit The City of McDonough.

4. Technological and System Advancement

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to embracing and integrating new technologies and improving city systems to enhance public services and infrastructure. This includes ensuring that technological advancements are implemented securely, efficiently, and with due consideration for privacy and equitable access for all citizens.

5. Fair and Equitable Policy Development

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to creating policies that are just, inclusive, and cater to the needs of all community members. This means ensuring that policies are developed through fair processes, applied consistently and impartially, and designed to promote equality and well-being across The City of McDonough.

6. Public Safety

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to ensuring the safety and security of all residents through effective law enforcement, emergency services, and community safety initiatives. This includes upholding the highest ethical standards in public safety operations, acting with integrity and respect, and building trust within the community we serve.

7. Mobility, Transportation, Traffic Circulation

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to improving the transportation network for easier, safer, and more efficient movement of people and goods within The City of McDonough. This involves making ethical decisions in planning and infrastructure development that prioritize public benefit, environmental considerations, and equitable access for all modes of transportation.

8. Quality of Life

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to enhancing the overall well-being of residents through access to quality healthcare, education, recreation, and cultural services. Our ethical responsibility extends to supporting initiatives that enrich community life, promote health, and ensure a vibrant environment for all citizens of McDonough.

9. Economic, Entrepreneurial, and Small Business Development

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to supporting sustainable economic growth, encouraging entrepreneurship, and helping small businesses thrive within The City of McDonough. This includes fostering an ethical business environment, ensuring fair practices, and making decisions that promote broad-based economic opportunity for the community.

10. Organizational and Employee Development

  • Ethical Commitment: We commit to enhancing our city's operational effectiveness, efficiency, and the professional growth of our municipal staff. This involves ethical leadership, fair personnel practices, continuous training, and fostering a supportive work environment that empowers employees to deliver excellent public service with integrity and competence.

Application and Enforcement

This Code of Ethics applies to all elected officials, appointed board and commission members, and employees of The City of McDonough. Adherence to these principles is a condition of service and employment. Any concerns regarding potential violations will be addressed through established procedures, ensuring due process and a fair resolution.

By embracing and upholding this Code of Ethics, The City of McDonough reaffirms its dedication to exemplary public service and strengthens the trust placed in us by our valued community.