Answer

A contract for grass cutting for the departments would be considered a professional service. However the department contracting for the service with one of the volunteer firemen may constitute a violation of the Ethics law, which prohibits public employees from participating in or transacting business with their agency for compensation. See R.S. 42:1112 and R.S. 42:1113 The Code of Ethics does allow for a public employee to donate services to their agency, so the volunteer fireman could provide the grass cutting services free of charge. See R.S. 42:1123(30) The department should seek an advisory opinion from the Board of Ethics, prior to entering into any contract for compensation. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 05/18/2024 09:55:33 PM