Receive, approve and file Requests for Exemption from Adopting a Conflict of Interest Code and Conflict of Interest Codes submitted by various districts during the 2022 Biennial Review. (No general fund impact) (Pogledich/Welton)

The above-named Districts have either established their exemption from the requirement for adoption of a conflict of interest code or have adopted a conflict of interest code as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission. Under state law, the Board of Supervisors is the "code reviewing body" for most local agencies, boards, commissions, and similar entities in Yolo County. These actions would grant approval by the Board of Supervisors of the submitted documents, all of which have been reviewed by this office and are recommended for approval.

BACKGROUND
In 1998, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 98-44 regarding conflict of interest codes for local agencies. As required by the Political Reform Act (Government Code section 87306.5), each local agency in the County is required biennially to report to the Board of Supervisors, as the code reviewing body, regarding that district's conflict of interest code or the criterion for exemption from adopting a code. In August 2020, this Office gave notice to each local agency to review and, where necessary, either submit an amended conflict of interest code or request an exemption. Under Government Code section 87309, no conflict of interest code or amendment shall be approved by the Board if it (a) fails to provide reasonable assurance that all foreseeable potential conflict of interest situations will be disclosed or prevented; (b) fails to provide to each affected person a clear and specific statement of his duties under the Code; or (c) fails to adequately differentiate between designated employees with different powers and responsibilities. On the basis of the information received by this office from the referenced local agencies and special districts, this office believes that it is appropriate for the Board of Supervisors to receive, approve and file the documents on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. At this time, three are in the process of reviewing and/or amending their Conflict of Interest Codes and these will be brought forward to the Board of Supervisors once completed.

Yolo County Special Districts