​The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics took the following action at its monthly public meeting held on January 11, 2024.

The Executive Director presented the 2023 Annual Report to the commissioners.

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

C23-032: After considering the investigative report, probable cause recommendation, and statements by COE staff and Respondent, the COE issued a letter of instruction and dismissed the complaint as is allowed by Commission on Ethics Section 2-260.3(b) when it appears that the alleged violation was inadvertent, unintentional, or insubstantial.

The Commission approved two advisory opinions. The full opinions are available at http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/opinions.htm. 

RQO 23-030: A County employee asked if the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics (Code) prohibited her outside employment as a realtor.

The COE opined as follows:  Generally, the Code would only restrict outside employment if that employment resulted in a prohibited person or entity receiving a special financial benefit; thus, as long as that does not occur and the guidance in the opinion is carefully followed, the Code does not prohibit the outside employment as a licensed realtor.

RQO 24-001: A Palm Beach County employee asked if it would violate the Code if she were to work as a peer reviewer in a volunteer capacity for a 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 position is uncompensated, the work is akin to a volunteer position. Additionally, because the training for the position is offered at no cost to any qualified individual, it is not considered a gift from a prohibited source. Thus, as long as the guidance in the opinion is carefully followed, the Code does not prohibit the employee serving as a peer reviewer in a volunteer capacity.

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