Understanding the Impact of Declining Civility in County Government
Explore the consequences of the decrease in civility in county government, including damaged relationships, tarnished images, and difficulty in recruiting employees and volunteers. Learn about the causes and effects of this decline and its implications for the overall community.
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Presentation Transcript
CIVILITY IN THE WORKPLACE IOWA STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE August 24, 2022 Patrick Callahan, Municipal Consultant
Introduction Patrick Callahan City Experience 23 years Consulting Experience 25 years Personal Observations on Civility Civility defined Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech. SIRI
Decline of Civility? Recent trend in city and county government National politics early history National and state - current political scene Is it getting worse?
Examples of Lack of Civility Public meetings - shouting matches Personal attacks public meetings Angry outbursts courthouse offices Vicious social media posts
Causes of Decline in Civility Come to expect it More common all parts of life Best way to get your way ?
Causes of Decline in Civility (continued) Some people have no fear Lack of consequences Best way to intimidate enemies
Impact on County Government County meetings are a nightmare Relationships are damaged or destroyed Employee morale declines County s image is tarnished
Consequences Lack of Civility Loss of goods employees Difficulty recruiting employees Impact on finding volunteers for boards and commissions
Consequences Lack of Civility (continued) Public perception of county declines Distrust of county officials Recruiting future county elected officials hard sell
Consequences Lack of Civility (continued) Citizen morale declines Impact on economic development efforts Long term decline of property values
Three Suggestions to Reverse the Trend 1. Set a good personal example 2. Adopt meeting procedures and rules 3. Develop and adopt a code of conduct
1. Good Personal Example Self-Evaluation job, home, and county roles Consider actions, words, and tone of voice Conduct at county meetings Social media posts
2. County Meetings Procedures & Rules Discuss the need and advantages Review the purpose and intent Seek examples other counties
Content Counties meeting procedures & rules Set the tone for the meeting Agenda preparation Meeting basics date, time, etc.
Content Procedure & rules (continued) Role of the chair Rules of debate Order of business
Content Procedure & Rules (continued) Decorum during the meeting Addressing the County Citizens Board actions and votes
Content Procedure & Rules (continued) Public hearings format Rules of parliamentary procedure Miscellaneous provisions
Examples or Models Institute of Public Affair s Model Cities Washington, Nevada, Strawberry Point, and Adel League Website Resources - Administration
3. County Code of Conduct Written policy Consistent theme respect & civility Elected officials & Employees
Advantages of the Code Enhance the county s image County meetings productive & orderly Improve employee morale
Advantages of the Code (continued) Increase citizen trust Enhance ability to recruit employees Economic development impact
Content of Code of Conduct Clarifications of all roles and duties Compliance with state laws open meetings law Professional conduct at public meetings
Content of Code of Conduct (continued) Conflicts of interest Gifts and favors Handling of confidential information
Content of Code of Conduct (continued) Proper use of public resources Positive work environment Civility and mutual respect Adhering to the chain of command
Compliance & Enforcement The more challenging task. County employees compliance Elected officials compliance
Compliance & Enforcement (continued) Clearly defined process Orientation new members Violations public censure
When to Adopt? Ongoing controversy Tough time? Calm quiet time Best time? No time like the present!
Examples or Models - Cities Asbury North Liberty West Branch County Models?
Getting Started on the Adoption Initial discussions Work session Goal Setting Team building portion Consult the county attorney Start with another county model
Resources and Publications League s Website Resources Administration Section Municipal Policy Leaders Handbook
Callahans Resources Cityscape Article What s in Your Code of Conduct Ten Habits of Highly Effective County s Previous workshop The Ten Commandments for Elected officials
Patrick Callahan, Municipal Consultant Callahan Municipal Consultants, LLC callahan.cmc@gmail.com 563-599-3708
