Minute with the Mayor

Question:

Can you explain the Sunshine Law, and do the city and county follow the law?

Answer:

I can only answer for the city, but we do follow the “Sunshine Law” and what is required of public meetings.  The city and the county are to follow the same law.

The Open Meetings Act, also known as the “Sunshine Law,” ensures that government meetings are open to the public. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Public Access: All meetings of governing bodies must be open to the public (T.C.A. § 8-44-102).

Notice: Adequate public notice is required for both regular and special meetings (T.C.A. § 8-44-103).  The meeting agenda must be posted and available to the public 48 hours before the meeting takes place.

Meeting Records: Minutes of the meetings must be recorded and available for public inspection. These minutes should include details like attendees, motions, proposals, resolutions, vote results, and individual votes during roll calls (T.C.A. § 8-44-104(a)).

Voting Transparency: All votes must be conducted publicly, either by vote, ballot, or roll call. Secret voting is not allowed (T.C.A. § 8-44-104(b)).

Public Comments:  We are required to set aside time for the public to comment on the topics that are related to items listed on the agenda.  The governing body may set a limit of time for public comments. 

Legal Issues:  There is an exception to the public attending a meeting when a legal issue is at hand.  Only discussions between the attorney and the board may be done in a meeting without the public.  No action should be taken at this meeting, only discussions of the issue at hand.

There are more details that could be added, however, the above is a simplified list and it is not exhaustive of the subject. 

This law ensures transparency by making sure government decisions are made openly and accessible to the public.

Be safe out there. Finish strong.