Palm Beach County, FL

08/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/01/2024 14:12

Summary of Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics Meeting Held on August 1, 2024

​The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics took the following action at its monthly public meeting held on August 1, 2024.

One complaint was heard in executive session. The complete file will be available on the Commission's website within seven days at: http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/complaints.htm.

C24-001: After considering a negotiated settlement agreement submitted by the COE advocate and Respondent, the COE accepted the agreement and issued a letter of reprimand, finding the violation was intentional.

The Commission approved two advisory opinions. The full opinions will be available on the Commission's website within seven days at:

https://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/coepub/

RQO 24-011: A Palm Beach County employee asked if the Code of Ethics (Code) would prohibit him from accepting costs associated with a conference when it is sponsored by a vendor of the County.

The COE opined as follows: Generally, public officials and employees are prohibited from accepting, directly or indirectly, payment of travel expenses, including conference fees, transportation, and other expenses, "from any county or municipal contractor, vendor, service provider, bidder or proposer." However, the prohibition against accepting travel expenses may be waived by the board of county commissioners or the local municipal governing body by a majority vote.

RQO 24-012: A municipal official asked if the Code would prohibit him from participating in discussions and voting on a zoning change for a development project when he recently sold property located on the same street as the proposed project.

The COE opined as follows: The official is not prohibited from participating in discussions or voting on this matter because, based on the facts he provided, there is no possibility that his participation will result in a current or future special financial benefit to a prohibited person or entity, including himself.

A detailed explanation of all agenda items is available at http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/meetings.htm.