Resident asks city to release ethics opinion after mayor voted on housing-authority property transfer

Suzanne LaRochelle, a Florence resident and licensed psychotherapist, asked the City Council on a public-comment agenda item that the council release the South Carolina Ethics Commission27s written opinion after Mayor Barnes voted on an earlier transfer of city property to the Florence Housing Authority.

LaRochelle said she had expected the mayor to recuse herself from the Aug. 11 vote on Bill 2025-28, because the housing authority27s executive director is her sibling, whom LaRochelle named in public comment. She said she did not allege a legal violation but sought clarity about recusal procedures, disclosure and whether the council27s minutes reflect required filings.

LaRochelle told the council: "Citizens deserve to read the commission's words directly. If the commission truly concluded that no recusal was required, let that standing stand in daylight." She also cited South Carolina Code section 8-13-7(b) and an advisory opinion she said (AO 2011) had suggested recusal is required when an immediate family member is employed by an entity receiving a benefit.

City Attorney Scott Chiquest told the council he had discussed LaRochelle27s concerns with her before the meeting and that the city had sought guidance from the South Carolina Ethics Commission prior to the vote. "They provided us with guidance that, with respect to such participation by the mayor in votes related to that, it is not a violation of the ethics act," Chiquest said, adding that the commission confirmed the city27s understanding that no personal economic interest existed. He also said the specific communications took the form of legal advice and, as such, could not be released.

A member of the public who identified themself only as a resident criticized repeated objections to affordable-housing projects and urged the council to press forward with transfers and partnerships that will develop housing in North Florence. That commenter said, "This is for affordable housing for North Lawrence" and that political objections were delaying projects meant to benefit low-income residents.

The issue LaRochelle raised relates to a vote the council previously took on Bill 2025-28, described in public comment as a conveyance of city-owned property to the Florence Housing Authority. At this meeting the mayor and council reiterated the earlier outcome: "6 in favor and 1 opposed, the vote stands." LaRochelle said she had not been provided the ethics commission27s opinion and formally requested the city release the exact opinion for public review.

The council did not take any new vote on recusal policy at this meeting. City staff said they had already consulted the ethics commission and had provided written legal guidance to LaRochelle before the meeting. LaRochelle said she remained unsatisfied and repeated her request for public release of the commission27s written opinion.

The exchange drew brief comment from Mayor Barnes and the city attorney but no formal motion to change recusal procedures was offered on the council floor during this session.