CEO 75-82 -- April 21, 1975

PURCHASING AGENT

APPLICABILITY OF FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE LAW

To: W. A. Dillard, Director of Purchasing, Polk County School Board, Bartow

Prepared by: Bonnie Johnson

SUMMARY:

Pursuant to s. 112.312(7)(j), F. S. (1974 Supp.), purchasing agents for any agency as well as persons exercising purchasing agent powers regardless of title are public officers within the meaning of the disclosure law. In his official capacity as Director of Purchasing for the Polk County School Board, Mr. Dillard is a public officer subject to disclosure provisions of part III, Ch. 112, F. S. (1974 Supp.).

QUESTION:

Am I, as Director of Purchasing for the Polk County School Board, a public officer within the meaning of that term as found in part III, Ch. 112, F. S. (1974 Supp.), and therefore subject to disclosure provisions applicable to public officers?

Your question is answered in the affirmative.

The definition of the term "public officer" includes "[p]urchasing agents for any agency or persons having the power normally conferred to purchasing agents by whatever title." Section 112.312(7)(j), supra. As Director of Purchasing for the Polk County School Board, you are therefore a public officer subject to the disclosure requirements of part III, Ch. 112, supra.