The Palatka City Commission convened on January 10, 2025, to address several key issues, including an investigative report and the implications of recent legislative changes regarding ethics complaints.

The meeting began with a reminder of the commission's primary responsibility to set policy and provide resources for city operations. Discussions highlighted the need for department heads to ensure effective management amid emerging challenges.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an investigative report presented by attorney Greg Rossman. He detailed his findings from an investigation into potential conflicts of interest related to city transactions. Rossman explained that he had submitted three reports, including an interim report and a final report, which concluded that there was a conflict of interest in one transaction but not in others. He emphasized that his investigation was limited by the lack of cooperation from some individuals and the absence of subpoena powers.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation, particularly regarding the lack of interviews with key individuals and organizations mentioned in the report. Rossman defended his methodology, stating that he had reached out to various parties but could not compel them to speak.

The discussion then shifted to the implications of a new law passed in the 2024 legislative session, which requires individuals filing complaints with the Commission on Ethics to have personal knowledge of the allegations and to do so under oath. City Attorney advised that this change complicates the commission's ability to file a complaint based on Rossman's findings, as it would require personal liability for any individual filing a complaint deemed frivolous.

The commission ultimately agreed that the matter should be left in the hands of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which has the authority to investigate further and refer findings to the Commission on Ethics if warranted. The meeting concluded with a call for patience as the commission awaits further developments from FDLE regarding the investigation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of navigating ethical concerns within city governance and the importance of adhering to legal standards in addressing potential misconduct. The commission plans to follow up on the situation as more information becomes available.