§ 2-25-60. Persons authorized to negotiate, obligation to maintain confidentiality and public records law.

(a)

The board shall, by majority vote, authorize the appropriate county staff member(s) to negotiate for the purchase, sale, or exchange of real property, or real property interests, on behalf of the county, pursuant to the terms of this article.

(b)

No member of the board, or ELMAC, shall directly negotiate for the purchase, sale, or exchange of real property, or real property interests, on behalf of the county, pursuant to the terms of this article, unless authorized to do so by a majority vote of the board.

(c)

No person or entity shall be authorized to negotiate on behalf of the county, or otherwise be directly involved in the purchase, sale or exchange of real property, or real property interests, pursuant to the terms of this article, if that person, entity, or a relative of that person has a financial interest in the transaction.

(d)

Except to the extent required under Section 119.07, Florida Statutes, as amended, no person acting on behalf of the county shall divulge information obtained in their official capacity with respect to any proposed purchase, sale or exchange of real property, or real property interests, pursuant to the terms of this article, for the purpose of giving the third party an unfair advantage. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall constitute a waiver by the county of its right to claim exemptions under Section 119.07, Florida Statutes, as amended. Furthermore, the provisions of Section 125.355, Florida Statutes, as amended, may be invoked by the county to maintain the confidentiality of appraisals, offers and counteroffers as allowed by that statute.

(e)

Persons acting on behalf of the county during the period of active negotiations for real property, or real property interests, pursuant to the terms of this article, shall provide a written statement verifying that neither they, the entity which they are employed by or otherwise represent, or a related person has a financial interest in the proposed transaction, and they acknowledge their agreement to maintain the confidentiality of information and documents as described in this article.

(f)

No contract or agreement negotiated pursuant to the terms of the ordinance for the purchase, sale, transfer or exchange of real property or real property interests shall be binding upon the county unless approved by a vote of the board in a public meeting.

(Ord. No. 03-62, § 10, 10-7-03)