CEO 76-30 -- February 13, 1976

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

APPLICABILITY OF CODE OF ETHICS TO MEMBERS

To: (Name withheld at the person's request.)

Prepared by: Gene Rhodes

SUMMARY:

A citizens advisory committee which spends no governmental funds and exercises no regulatory or policymaking functions is deemed to be a solely advisory body. Its members therefore are not subject to financial disclosure requirements of the Code of Ethics pursuant to the advisory board exclusion contained in s. 112.3145(1)(a)2.(1975).

QUESTION:

Are members of the citizens advisory committee (CAC) "local officers" within the meaning of that term as it is defined in the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees and therefore required to file statements of financial disclosure?

Your question is answered in the negative.

You have advised us that the CAC does not spend governmental funds. It is clear from the materials you have provided us that the CAC is a solely advisory body. See City of ____ Ordinance No. 74-32.

Please find enclosed a copy of a recent opinion of this commission, CEO 76-25. Your question is substantially the same as question 1 of this opinion and the rationale of our answer is equally applicable to your inquiry. Your question is answered accordingly in the negative.