County ethics official reviews training, reporting and enforcement duties at Lantana council meeting

Elizabeth Martin, a representative of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics, told the Lantana Town Council that the commission's mission is to "enhance the public's trust in government" by providing oversight, training and advisory opinions to local officials and staff. Martin described the commission's enforcement tools as limited to letters of instruction, reprimand and fines of up to $500 per violation, and said the agency also offers trainings and advisory opinions intended to prevent breaches of the code.

"Our motto is ask 1st, act later," Martin said, urging council members and staff to consult the commission's resources before making decisions that could create voting conflicts or other ethical concerns. She noted the commission serves 39 municipalities and provides online forms and advisory opinions at palmbeachcountyethics.com for gift reporting, voting conflicts and outside employment disclosures.