Tallahassee ethics board closes two anonymous complaints; staff reports training, budget and a board vacancy

The Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board voted on Tuesday to close two pending complaints and received a monthly report from staff covering training, outreach and the board’s finances.

John Reed, the board’s staff presenter, told members the report covered Sept. 9 through Oct. 10 and listed routine ethics training, promotion of the campaign contribution refund program, completion of revisions to the strategic plan and preparation of the annual report. Reed said staff responded to complaints and administrative duties and noted travel and training expenses for investigative training in Tennessee.

Reed described two complaints the board considered: one anonymous complaint received in 2022 that was referred to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and subsequently reviewed by the inspector general’s office; Reed said that review found "no violations of the ethics code." The second anonymous complaint appeared to concern employee-level issues that city processes had already addressed; Reed recommended closing both matters and referring elements to appropriate bodies as needed. Patrick Kelly moved to close the complaints; Mary Alice David seconded the motion, and members voted to close both.

The report also included budget information. Reed said spending for the fiscal year came in around $80,000–$88,000 and that the new fiscal year began Oct. 1. Reed told the board that outreach for the campaign contribution refund program produced 29 applications, which Reed said was substantially higher than in prior years. Staff also described work on an online course for advisory committee members and a plan to distribute an updated ethics guide to city employees.

Members were told that the board’s December meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16 and that Chair Kristen Costa will have served two terms and step down at the end of the year; the board will hold an election for new officers at the December meeting. Reed said staff will bring a list of applicants for the upcoming vacancy in November so the board may select a successor.

Board members discussed procedural changes for complaint intake, noting new requirements that limit anonymous investigative complaints. Staff confirmed the board provides written notices explaining procedural rejections when a complaint does not meet filing requirements.

ACTIONS AT A GLANCE: Motion passed to close two complaints (moved by Patrick Kelly; seconded by Mary Alice David). The board accepted the monthly report and scheduled a Dec. 16 meeting when officers will be elected.