Title
Vote to approve the Chatham County Secondary Employment Policy
Abstract
Introduction & Background: In accordance with Article V, Section 5 of the Chatham County Personnel Policy, the County has set forth parameters around outside employment to include the following:
A. The work of the county takes priority over other employment interests of employees. All outside employment for salaries, wages, or commission and all self-employment must be reported to the employee’s department head. Failure to notify the county of outside employment may be deemed improper conduct and may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal.
B. The department head and County Manager will determine whether the outside work creates a conflict of interest or is incompatible with county service.
C. The continuation of outside employment considered conflicting or improper, as determined by the department head and County Manager, will be deemed improper conduct and may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
Discussion & Analysis: As the County’s employee base rapidly grows, it becomes increasingly important to implement a separate policy and form for reporting outside employment to manage potential conflicts of interest and ensure organizational integrity. With a larger workforce, the risk of employees engaging in external jobs that could conflict with their primary responsibilities, create divided loyalties, or violate confidentiality agreements rises. A formal process allows the employer to assess whether outside employment may interfere with performance, lead to time management issues, or introduce ethical concerns, such as competing business interests or misuse of company resources. This policy also provides transparency, ensuring employees understand their obligations to the organization while reducing legal risks related to conflict-of-interest violations or breaches of contract. Having a dedicated policy promotes consistency, accountability, and fairness in how outside employment is managed, fostering a work environment built on trust and compliance
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Not applicable
Budgetary Impact: None.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve the Chatham County Secondary Employment Policy.