Regular meeting (Conflict of Interest – S. Jones, 5/21/2024)

**Executive Summary**

**Introduction**
This document serves as a formal notice to the Leelanau County Board regarding a potential violation of the county’s conflict of interest policy, specifically concerning Joe DeFores, the chair of the Leelanau County Energy Futures Task Force. It is highlighted that DeFores has taken actions that may benefit him personally, raising significant ethical concerns under the county’s established guidelines.

**Conflict of Interest Details**
The conflict arises from DeFores’ role in advocating for a state grant, the approval of which is anticipated to provide him with a payment of $45 per hour. The county’s conflict of interest policy explicitly defines such advocacy by a public servant, which could result in personal financial gain, as a clear conflict. Furthermore, it is indicated that county commissioners Kama Ross and Gwen Aligaier possessed knowledge of and were complicit in this ethical violation, thereby necessitating their recusal from any investigation regarding this matter.

**Call for Action**
The document formally requests an investigation into this possible violation of the conflict of interest policy. Should the investigation substantiate the claims, it proposes that Joe DeFores be removed from his position on the Energy Futures Task Force in order to uphold the integrity of the board and its policies.