County Counsel

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDUM COUNTY OF SAN MATEO NUMBER: C-6 SUBJECT: Reporting of Improper Governmental Activity RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT: County Counsel APPROVED: John L. Maltbie, County Manager DATE: January 26, 2005 Purpose The purpose of this memo is to establish the administrative policies and procedures to implement the County’s whistleblower ordinance. (Chapter 2.206 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code.) The ordinance seeks to protect the integrity of the County’s governmental institutions by providing a mechanism for reporting of improper governmental activity, including but not limited to violating local campaign finance laws, conflict of interest laws, or governmental ethics; misusing County resources; or using a County position to advanceRead More →

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDUM COUNTY OF SAN MATEO SUBJECT: Employee Political Activities RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT District Attorney’s Office NUMBER: C-5 DATE: February 1, 1984 Federal, state, and local laws restrict political activities of county officers and employees. The applicability of these restrictions varies according to circumstance. Therefore, this memorandum serves only as a general guideline for employee conduct. Specific questions should be directed to the District Attorney’s Office.   Solicitation of political contributions from county officers or employees. A county officer or employee may not knowingly solicit political funds or contributions from county officers or employees. However, a county officer or employee may solicit political funds or contributions from the general public even ifRead More →

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDUM COUNTY OF’ SAN MATEO SUBJECT: Individual Contractors APPROVED: County Manager NUMBER: C-4 DATE: February 1, 1984 Due to potential legal conflicts and increased financial risks to the county, individuals performing professional and specialized services should either be in employee status or be covered by a written agreement firmly establishing an independent contractor’s status.  Expert witnesses and election precinct workers may be paid on “Blue Claim” without a contract.  Any other exceptions must be approved in advance by the District Attorney. The following criteria should be used as a guideline for determining whether persons performing specialized or professional services should be independent contractors orRead More →

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDUM COUNTY OF SAN MATEO NUMBER: C-3 SUBJECT: Incompatible Activities and Conflict of Interest RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT: County Counsel APPROVED: John L. Maltbie, County Manager DATE: January 26, 2015 This Administrative Memorandum rescinds and replaces Administrative Memorandum C-3, dated February 1, 1984, revising the policy of Incompatible Activities and Conflict of Interest. Departments have adopted conflict of interest codes. Department heads are responsible for assuring that all affected employees are aware of and abide by the Board approved regulations regarding incompatible activities and conflict of interest codes.Read More →

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDUM COUNTY OF SAN MATEO NUMBER: C-2 SUBJECT: Receipt of Legal Documents RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT: County Counsel APPROVED: John L. Maltbie, County Manager DATE: January 26, 2015 This Administrative Memorandum rescinds and replaces Administrative Memorandum C-2, dated February 1, 1984, and it revises the County’s policy for the receipt of legal documents. Purpose The purpose of the policy is to ensure that “legal documents” are handled properly. The term “legal documents”, includes claims for money or damages under the Government Claims Act, pleadings, subpoenas and any notices that reference a court case. Policy County departments and divisions shall take the following actions when they receive legal documents. The document(s) shallRead More →