06/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/09/2024 17:32
The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics (COE) took the following action at its monthly public meeting held on September 5, 2024.
Two complaints were heard in executive session. The final orders will be available on the COE's website within seven days at: http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/complaints.htm.
C24-005: After considering the probable cause recommendation submitted by the COE advocate, the COE accepted the recommendation, agreed that there was no probable cause to support a violation of the Code, and dismissed the complaint.
C24-009: After hearing argument from Respondent and the COE advocate on a motion to dismiss filed by Respondent, the COE denied the motion and proceeded to the probable cause hearing. After considering the probable cause recommendation submitted by the COE advocate, the COE accepted the recommendation, issued a letter of instruction, and dismissed the complaint.
The COE approved one advisory opinion. The full opinion will be available on the Commission's website within seven days at:
https://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/coepub/
RQO 24-013: A county employee asked if the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics (Code) imposed any restrictions upon him if he were to start a consulting business.
The COE opined as follows: Generally, the Code does not prohibit a county employee from working as a consultant in a private capacity. As long as the county employee does not enter into a contract or transaction, either directly or indirectly, with the county and carefully follows the rest of the requirements as described in this advisory opinion, there is no conflict of interest involving this outside business.
A detailed explanation of all agenda items is available at http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/meetings.htm.