Commission on Ethics accepts settlement, orders letter of reprimand and $250 fine for South Bay official Barbara King

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics on resumed session announced that it accepted a negotiated settlement with South Bay official Barbara King in case C25-013, finding a violation of the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics.

A commissioner read the public report and final order, saying the complaint alleged that King misused her office in a matter unrelated to her official duties, in violation of section 2-443(a) of the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics. In lieu of a probable cause hearing, the respondent stipulated to probable cause, entered a negotiated settlement with the advocate and agreed to the facts set out in a letter of reprimand.

The commission accepted the agreement as presented, finding by clear and convincing evidence that the violation was intentional, and ordered a letter of reprimand and a $250 fine. The public report as read into the record states the matter was concluded upon issuance of the reprimand and fine and was signed by Alan Blass, vice chair of the commission on ethics.

The record read at the meeting cites Palm Beach County Code of Ethics provisions and states the settlement was reached in executive session and then announced in public session; no roll-call vote or tally was recorded in the public reading.