ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — The Tompkins County Ethics Advisory Board believes former Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick acted improperly.

After a months-long investigation, the board says Myrick violated the city’s conflict of interest policy by receiving benefits from an outside group. The former mayor is said to have been involved in a paid lobbying effort to support Reimagining Public Safety. Board Chair Rich John says the investigation was thorough.

“We reviewed many documents and written submissions, and conducted a lot of interviews leading to preparation of this advisory opinion,” he says.

John adds the opinion does not carry the force of law.