One Monroe County commissioner is asking the county attorney to revisit the employee handbook to see if changes are required to allow the county administrator to attend community events or luncheons without fear of violating county policy that prohibits employees from accepting gifts.

Commissioner George Neugent and Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward have been sparring in recent weeks about some commissioners attending a private banquet Wednesday in the affluent gated community of Ocean Reef. Ward has turned his sights on County Administrator Roman Gastesi, who was at the dinner at the request of county Mayor Sylvia Murphy. Ward claims Gastesi violated county policy by accepting a free dinner, which Ward considers a gift.

Neugent has responded by consulting with the county clerk and county attorney. County policy states "employees shall not accept any gift, favor or service from any member of the public, including but not limited to Christmas and/or birthday gifts."

Neugent argued that the county administrator would not be allowed to attend the annual Underwater Music Festival and other community events he has attended as a guest in the past. The commissioner wants the handbook amended to exempt the county administrator and the county attorney.

On Monday, Neugent discussed possible changes with the county clerk and the county attorney. He said he may bring proposed changes back to the commission for consideration.

"He (Ward) is casting dispersions on the County Commission that are unwarranted," Neugent said, adding that Ward's comments came at a time when the commission is as "independent" from influence as he has ever seen it.

Murphy said the policy does not pertain to the county attorney and the county administrator, as they are contract employees and report directly to the commission.

Commissioner Mario Di Gennaro said the policy may need to be adjusted to exempt contract employees.

Commissioner Heather Carruthers questioned the timing of Ward's request, as voters ousted two previous commissioners, Sonny McCoy and Dixie Spehar, nearly two years ago amid residents' concerns of them being under the influence of lobbyists.

Lobbying came to a head two years ago when the county was tweaking its comprehensive land use plan to include amendments to preserve working waterfronts. Developers and property owners on Stock Island at the time were lobbying for land use changes that would have allowed for more homes and high-end condominiums on Safe Harbor. Former county Growth Management Director Drew Trivette was chastised by Gastesi for a fishing trip and dinners with one group of developers.

"I think all of this is yesterday's news," Carruthers said.

Carruthers and Commissioner Kim Wigington are the only two commissioners who did not attend the Ocean Reef dinner.

For the past six months, Ward has requested the county adopt an ordinance that requires lobbyists to register, to declare who they are working for and what projects they are working on. Wigington has been working on such an ordinance, but early renditions of the ordinance failed to gain the support of her fellow commissioners, who raised concerns about whether it would be effective and/or negatively affect homeowners associations who regularly have representatives go before the commission.

tohara@keysnews.com