Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Advisory Opinion Gift To Vendor topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ethics board approves advisory opinion: city may fund plaque for retiring vendor, staff told to check procurement
Summary
The board approved Advisory Opinion 2026-01, concluding a city employee may use city funds to purchase a plaque for a retiring long-time city vendor, but staff was advised to consult the city attorney about procurement rules.
The Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board voted Feb. 17 to approve Advisory Opinion 2026-01, finding that a city employee may use city funds to give a retiring vendor a plaque.
Staff explained the matter is the mirror of restrictions that normally apply when a vendor gives a gift to a city employee; the ethics ordinance governing solicitation or acceptance of gifts (cited in the staff memo) restricts vendor-to-employee gifts, not the city purchasing a token of appreciation. The advisory opinion therefore concluded the proposed plaque was permissible under the ethics code.
Staff cautioned that procurement and purchasing policies may still apply; the memo recommended the employee consult the city attorney about purchasing rules and procurement procedures before completing the purchase. The board approved the opinion by voice vote.
The board instructed staff to notify the requesting employee and to coordinate with procurement/city attorney offices as needed to ensure compliance with purchasing rules.
