Commissioners debate notice requirements before entering executive session; board meets in closed session about personnel

At the start of a special called meeting on Dec. 31, 2024, Ware County Commissioner Leonard Burse asked whether the session had been properly advertised after commissioners moved to enter executive session to discuss personnel.

Interim County Manager Melinda Brooks told the board the meeting had not been advertised and attributed that omission to oversight. Assistant County Attorney Jennifer Herzog advised the board that the county’s legal organ — the newspaper designated to carry required legal notices — must be notified of a special called meeting at least 24 hours in advance. Herzog said the meeting would be considered legal if the legal organ had been notified or was otherwise aware, and noted the meeting also had been posted on the county website and several commissioners said they had communicated with the newspaper.

Commissioner Timmy Lucas moved to enter executive session; Commissioner Sammy Hendricks seconded. The board took a roll-call vote: Commissioner Leonard Burse voted no; Commissioner Jerry Pope voted aye “as long as the meeting would be considered legal”; Commissioner Timmy Lucas voted aye; Commissioner Sammy Hendricks voted aye; and Chairman Elmer Thrift voted aye. The board entered executive session at 10:08 a.m. and returned to open session at 2:45 p.m. The commission did not disclose details of what was discussed in executive session, noting the matter concerned personnel.

After returning to open session the board continued with agenda business, including adding and accepting an HB 311 list for tax relief. The commission scheduled a meeting for Jan. 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. to appoint a new county manager and adjourned at 3:06 p.m.