I. PURPOSE
Individuals who are part of an organization incorporated as a Pennsylvania Municipal Authority can be subject to close public scrutiny as to their values and conduct. This is true whether such individuals occupy positions as Board members or employees. Hereinafter Board members and employees are individually and collectively referred to as “Associates”.  The purpose of this document is to present a Statement of Values and Code of Conduct (“Code”) to which Associates are required to adhere to so as to promote individual and organizational conduct of the highest caliber.

II. RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA ETHICS ACT
The provisions of this Code are in addition to the requirements of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, as amended, 65 Pa. C. S. A, Chapter 11 (“Ethics Act”).

Associates subject to the Ethics Act are required to acquaint themselves with its provisions.  In the event of any conflict with this Code and the Ethics Act, the Act shall prevail.

III. STATEMENT OF VALUES
Associates accept and value the following principles and strive to demonstrate them in all of their dealings:

• Honesty and truthfulness

• Impartiality and fairness

• Equal opportunity and diversity

• Reward systems which are based on effort, skill, ability and merit

• Constant striving for improvement

• Adherence to all governing laws, regulations and policies

• Respect for the duly established structure of organizational authority

• Service that reflects the highest degree of concern for those served

• Freedom from selfish or ulterior motives

• Respect and consideration for others and their viewpoints even in the face of disagreement

IV. CODE OF ETHICS
     A.  General Requirements

1.  Preventing Conflicts of Interest

a.    Associates must make decisions which result in what is best for the Authority and its customers, so they strictly avoid anything that conflicts with this.

b.    Associates shall not use their positions or information which they acquire because of their positions to secure financial gain (other than authorized compensation) for themselves or family members.

c.    Associates shall not seek or accept from others any favor or thing of value as a condition for an official action or judgement of theirs.  To the extent possible, even the appearance of such shall be avoided. Acceptance of items of nominal value, as defined by the Ethics Act, which are customarily given for goodwill or general promotional purposes are not expressly prohibited, however caution must still be exercised.

d.    Associates shall not enter into or remain in a relationship with any individual or organization so as to create a financial or judgmental conflict with respect to their role with the Authority.  

e.    Associates shall not have an interest in any contract with the Authority unless it poses no conflict and unless the interest has been fully disclosed in an appropriate manner or as otherwise required by the Ethics Act or other applicable law.

2.  Confidentiality, Integrity of Information, Reports and Financial Records

a.    Associates shall not knowingly sign or permit the issuance of any statement or report which contains false or misleading information or which makes a material omission.

b.    Associates shall be truthful in giving out information to the public.  Where possible and appropriate, official or other public statements shall be issued by only individuals authorized to do so by Board policy.

c.    Associates shall not use their positions to secure personal or confidential information about other parties unless it is required by a legitimate business purpose of the Authority. Except as required by law, such personal or confidential information shall not be communicated beyond the extent necessary to accomplish the legitimate business purpose.

d.    Associates shall manifest honesty in all financial transactions and submit only completely accurate reports in conformance with applicable accounting rules.

3.  Purchasing

a.    Associates are prohibited from making purchases on the Authority’s account for personal use.

b.    Purchases shall not be made contingent upon any kind of rebate, discount, or other favorable treatment on personal purchases by Associates, or family members of Associates.

4.  Use of Authority Property, Facilities, Assets or Services 

     Except as specifically authorized by Authority policy, Associates are not permitted to use
     Authority property, facilities, equipment, assets, or services for personal purposes.

     B.  Board Level Matters and Board Members

1.  Board members are responsible to become familiar with their responsibilities under: the Municipal Authorities Act, the Ethics Act, and other applicable laws, the authorized purpose(s) for which the Authority was formed, and the Authority’s By-Laws and policies.

2.  Board members work through authorized channels when dealing with staff functions.

3.  Officers of the Board shall work within the authorized scope of authority of their office.

4.  The Board shall adopt policies which individual members shall observe concerning:

a.    Who shall be authorized to attend, at the Authority’s expense, conferences, seminars, and other events related to Authority business.

b.    Admittance to and presence on Authority property or facilities.

V. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE
     A.    It shall be the duty of the Chairman of the Board to see that Board members and any
            Administrative Personnel (Administrator, Manager, Executive Director) that report directly to
            the Board of Directors abide by the Code on matters of which he/she has information, notice,
            or knowledge. 

     B.    It shall be the duty of the Administrative Personnel to see that subordinate employees abide
            by the Code on matters of which he/she has information, notice, or knowledge.

     C.    Questions by employees as to the applicability of the Code shall be referred to the
             Administrative Personnel.  Questions by the Administrative Personnel or Board members
             shall be referred to the Chairman.

     D.    Any Associates who know or suspect violations of this Code are required to report them
            using the same procedure as outlined in Paragraph C above.

     E.    Violations of this Code may have severe results up to and including dismissal as an
             employee or removal as a Board member. Violations of the Ethics Act, or other appropriate
             laws, may lead to prosecution under those laws.

PMAA Ethics Code Guidelines

A.  Attendance at Seminars and Conferences

1. When multiple attendees (not a spouse/guest) share a room only one may claim the reimbursement.

2. When multiple attendees carpool (not a spouse/guest) only one may claim for mileage.

3. Use of the standard federal mileage rate or actual expenses may be used but not both. 

4. Recreation and entertainment, in addition to the cost of the conference or seminar, should be paid by the attendee unless authorized by the Board.

5. Accompanying spouse and guest attendance and expenses shall not be paid with Authority funds outside of Board authorized activities.

Adopted October 5, 1954
Updated April 2010