What does a public official bond guarantee?

A public official bond serves as a form of financial assurance that a public official will faithfully and lawfully carry out their responsibilities while in office. This bond protects the public by ensuring that the official adheres to ethical standards and performs their duties as required by law. If the official fails to comply with their obligations—whether through negligence, malfeasance, or misconduct—the bond can provide funds to cover losses incurred by the public or the government entity due to the official’s actions.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of a public official bond. For example, it does not guarantee protection against public dissatisfaction, nor does it ensure that public funds will increase in value. Additionally, the bond does not stipulate conditions related to job changes for the official, as its primary focus is on the performance and fidelity of the official in their appointed role.