Summary of Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics Meeting Held on November 7, 2024

Contact: Christie Kelley, Executive Director • (561) 355-1915

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics (COE) took the following action at its monthly public meeting held on Nov. 7, 2024.

Three complaints were heard in executive session. The complete files will be available on the COE's website within seven days at http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/complaints.htm.

C24-002 : 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 Palm Beach County Code of Ethics (Code), and dismissed the complaint.

C24-010 : 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.
C24-011: 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.
The COE approved three advisory opinions. The full opinions will be available on the commission's website within seven days at https://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/coepub/

RQO 24-014 : A county employee asked if the Code prohibited him from participating in a marketing program intended to promote the product of a current county vendor.
The COE opined as follows: Generally, the Code would only restrict relationships with vendors if that relationship resulted in the vendor becoming an outside employer. Here, because the endorsement of the product is uncompensated, the work is akin to a volunteer position. Thus, as long as the guidance in the opinion is carefully followed, the Code does not prohibit the employee from taking part in the marketing program proposed by the vendor.

RQO 24-015 : An elected official who owns an auto repair business asked if the Code would prohibit her from participating in discussions or voting on matters before the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners concerning a request for proposals to build an auto racetrack in Palm Beach County.
The COE opined as follows: The Code does not prohibit her from participating in discussions or voting on the proposal regarding the auto racetrack because any potential for loss or gain to her outside business is remote and speculative.

RQO 24-016 : A member of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC), who was recently appointed to that board by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, asked if the Code prohibited her membership on EMSAC considering she is employed by an organization that has an ongoing contractual relationship with Palm Beach County and the organization has been previously certified by EMSAC.
The COE opined as follows: The Code does not prohibit the EMSAC advisory council membership because the advisory board is purely advisory and the appropriate procedures were followed prior to Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners voting to approve the individual's appointment to the EMSAC.

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