QUINCY, Fla. — The Florida Commission on Ethics has initiated a public hearing to investigate whether Gadsden County Commissioner Ronterious Green has breached ethics regulations.
On Wednesday, the commission announced it found probable cause for a case concerning a “conflicting contractual relationship” involving Green. The inquiry was prompted by an ethics complaint filed in February by former commissioner Sherrie Taylor, who raised concerns regarding Green’s financial dealings with the county.
Taylor alleges that in March 2022, Green received $250 from Gadsden County for floral arrangements through his company, The Greenery Floral & Tuxedo Place. Green, defending his actions, stated that the payments did not surpass the $500 limit imposed by Florida law for potential conflicts of interest.
Additionally, Taylor accused Green of exerting undue influence when he questioned her about how her non-profit organization utilized county funds, while not applying the same scrutiny to other non-profits. The complaint also details that Green’s flower shop operates out of a building owned by Richard Lockwood, who holds various construction contracts with the county, raising further concerns about potential ethical violations.
In response to the allegations, Green asserted that he refrained from participating in any votes or discussions that could involve his business interests. The Ethics Commission, while acknowledging the complaint, has granted Green the opportunity for a comprehensive evidentiary hearing with an administrative judge to present his case.
A representative from the commission noted that Green might also seek to negotiate a settlement agreement with a commission advocate, an official from the attorney general’s office.
Green currently represents District 5 on the Gadsden County Board of Commissioners and has made statements affirming his commitment to ethical governance.
This ongoing investigation into Green’s conduct highlights the complexities of maintaining ethical standards in public office, particularly concerning financial relationships between elected officials and local government entities.
The outcome of the hearing and any potential disciplinary actions will be closely monitored as the case unfolds.
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