Wednesday, November 20, 2002
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Wednesday, November 20, 2002 |
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County eyes change in secret vote procedures By JOHN THOMPSON
The Fayette County Commission heads to Peachtree City Nov. 21 for its annual retreat and is expected to discuss its policy on voting in executive session. In October, the state's senior assistant Attorney General sided with Tyrone Councilman Ronnie Cannon in his claim the Fayette County Commission violated the state's Open Meetings Act several times during 2001. In a letter dated Oct. 3, senior assistant Attorney General Kathryn Allen said she understood that the Georgia Municipal Association, the Fayette County Attorney and the Fayette Solicitor disagreed with the position that votes must take place in open session. "This office continues to believe that votes on matters that may be discussed in executive session should be held in the open portion of the meeting, except where there is a specific statutory exception for the votes," Allen wrote. She pointed out the exception is specific for personnel items, but "the absence of a specific provision in the real estate or attorney advice exception does not mean that those votes must be held in secret." The county is set to discuss the issue Friday morning at Aberdeen Woods. Other items on the agenda for Thursday and Friday include: A presentation on status of recreation plan by Louis Downer, Jr. of ALDH & Associates. An update on the status of the transportation plan update project by Tim Preece of URS Corporation. A discussion by Capital Improvements Program Committee An overview of the 2004 budget process. Discussion of the parameters of the chairman's position. The retreat gets underway at 10:30 Thursday and is set to conclude at 12:30 Friday afternoon.
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