Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics dismisses complaint against Sarah Baxter; approves minutes and consent agenda

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics announced the dismissal of a complaint against Sarah Baxter and approved routine agenda items during its Jan. 9 meeting.

After returning from an executive session identified as KC24-008, Chair Kristin A. Vara Garcia asked Commissioner Bridal to read the public final order. Commissioner Bridal read the commission’s Order C24-008: a public report and final order in the matter captioned in re Sarah Baxter.

The order, reciting the filing by Christy Kelly, executive director, alleged that the respondent, Sarah Baxter, an elected official in Palm Beach County, accepted gifts from a registered lobbyist that exceeded the $100 limit in section 2-444(a)(1) of the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics. The transcript records the commission’s review of the memorandum of inquiry, report of investigation and the advocate’s probable cause recommendation. The advocate had recommended a finding of probable cause, issuance of a letter of instruction and dismissal of the complaint. Commissioner Bridal read the commission’s public order stating that the commission found probable cause but dismissed the case “finding that in the public interest, it would not be served by proceeding further.” The order states the dismissal was issued pursuant to Commission on Ethics Ordinance section 2-603(a).

Earlier in the meeting commissioners approved the minutes from the Sept. 5, 2024 meeting and the consent agenda. The transcript records a motion and second for the minutes and unanimous verbal “aye” votes with no opposition recorded. A later motion and second approved the consent agenda, with commissioners again voting “aye” and no opposition recorded.

Ending: The meeting was adjourned after public business; no public comments were recorded.