SOUTHAMPTON — A former Southampton water chief has admitted he violated the state conflict-of-interest law by accepting gifts of a golf outing and lodging and meals at a ski resort from a water meter vendor, and has agreed to pay a $6,000 fine, the State Ethics Commission reported Monday.

Thomas Gaughan was superintendent of the Southampton Water Department from 2015 until his retirement in September 2023, the commission states, during which time he had purchasing authority for water meters and parts for the department. Major water projects would require authorization by the Board of Water Commissioners.

Southampton has used one brand of water meter since 2004, made by an Alabama company and sourced from its New England distributor. Neither company is identified in the commission’s findings of fact; they are referred to only as “the vendors.”

In 2020, Gaughan and his spouse took part in a three-day ski trip to Okemo, in Ludlow, Vermont, hosted by the vendors, who paid for lodging and meals for the couple. The two already had season passes at the ski area. Several municipal water district and public works employees took part in the trip, according to the commission.

In the fall of 2020, the commission states, Gaughan took part in a golf outing paid for by the vendors.

Massachusetts General Laws prohibit municipal employees from soliciting or receiving anything of substantial value ($50 or more) because of their official position.

“When public employees accept gifts from vendors doing business with their agencies, they give the public cause to question the integrity of their purchasing decisions and their performance of other duties relating to vendors,” State Ethics Commission Executive Director David A. Wilson said in a statement.

Gaughan could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.

The Ethics Commission announced settlements with three other municipal employees who admitted to conflict-of-interest violations with the same vendors.

Vincent Roy, executive director of the Sudbury Water District, went on three different three-day ski trips at the vendors’ expense, accepted Red Sox tickets, played in a golf tournament and accepted three free dinners, according to the commission. He paid an $18,000 civil penalty.

David Knowlton, former director of the Salem Department of Public Services, also took part in three ski trips, got tickets for two Red Sox games, four free dinners and tickets to a Celtics game. He resigned in 2023 over the allegations, and agreed to pay a $14,000 civil penalty.

Aaron Cilluffo, former water and sewer supervisor for the Danvers Department of Public Works, attended three ski trips and accepted two free dinners. He was fined $8,000.

In addition, the commission said the Franklin director of public works and a GIS coordinator for the Natick Water and Sewer Department also recently entered disposition agreements with the ethics panel to resolve similar violations.