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Palm Beach County panel records reprimand, $250 fine in ethics settlement with South Bay official
Summary
The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics reported that an elected City of South Bay official stipulated to probable cause, accepted a negotiated settlement including a letter of reprimand and a $250 fine, and the matter was closed by order on April 16, 2026.
The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics concluded an investigation into an elected official from the City of South Bay, recording a negotiated settlement that included a letter of reprimand and a $250 fine.
The Commission said the complaint alleged that rbara King, an elected official for the City of South Bay, violated section 2-443(A) of the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics by attempting to use her position as commissioner to intervene in a matter unrelated to her official duties. The Commission asserted authority to enforce the county code under Ordinance section 2-258(A) and reported that the respondent stipulated to probable cause and entered a negotiated settlement with the advocate.
Under the terms submitted for approval, the respondent acknowledged the facts and circumstances set out in the letter of reprimand and agreed to accept the reprimand, including a finding that the violation was intentional. The Commission’s negotiated settlement imposed a $250 fine pursuant to the Commission on Ethics procedures (section 2-260.1). The record indicates the order was finalized in executive session and signed on April 16, 2026.
Commission records list the action as concluded upon issuance of the reprimand and fine. The Commission’s public filing states the settlement and sanction were approved and the case closed; the order on the record is signed by Allen I. Blasasas, vice chair of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics.
The record does not show a public vote tally or identify a mover and seconder; the action is recorded as finalized in executive session. The Commission also announced ongoing outreach activities and that proposed changes to the Commission on Ethics ordinance had been advertised for a public hearing set for May 5 at 9:30 a.m.
The Commission’s files list the sections of county law cited in the record as section 2-443(A) (misuse of office), section 2-258(A) (Commission enforcement authority), and section 2-260.1 (public hearing procedures). The complaint, negotiated settlement and the signed order are the basis for the Commission’s finding and sanction.
The Commission adjourned following the announcement; no public comments were recorded on the matter.
