CEO 75-113 -- May 23, 1975

ADVISORY BOARD

RIVER FOREST SPECIAL TAX LIGHTING DISTRICT

To: W. Scott Grover, Sarasota

Prepared by: Carol Ann Turner

SUMMARY:

The River Forest Special Tax Lighting District is a solely advisory body. Its members therefore are not deemed to be public officers pursuant to s. 112.312(7)(b), F. S. (1974 Supp.), and thus are not subject to disclosure provisions required of public officers.

QUESTION:

Am I, as a member of the Advisory Board to the River Forest Special Tax Lighting District, a public officer within the meaning of part III, Ch. 112, F. S. (1974 Supp.), and therefore subject to the financial disclosure law?

Your question is answered in the negative.

Sarasota County Ordinance No. 72-40 authorized the creation of street lighting districts in certain areas of Sarasota County. The ordinance provides for the appointment of an advisory board. The duties of this board, as set forth in said ordinance, are to advise the governing body of the special lighting district, i.e., the Board of County Commissioners of Sarasota County. It appears from Ordinance 72-40 that the River Forest Special Tax Lighting District Advisory Board has no power or duties other than its advisory function. We must therefore conclude that members of the board are excluded from the meaning of the term "public officer" by s. 112.313(7)(b), supra. Accordingly, you, as a member of this board, are not subject to the disclosure provisions of the Code of Ethics.