ANNOUNCEMENT MUST INCLUDE SPECIFIC LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

Request: Did the Stark County Board of Commissioners violate the open meetings laws by failing to properly notice an executive session, not following the proper procedure for entering into an executive session, and denying access to the open portion of the meeting by not reopening the teleconference line after the executive session?

Conclusion: The Stark County Board of Commissioners (Commission) held an executive session during its regular meeting. The meeting notice provided sufficient information to identify the reason for holding the executive session. The Commission properly voted to enter into executive session but failed to state the specific legal authority for closing the meeting, in violation of the law. When the executive session ended, the public was allowed to return to the meeting room and the teleconference line was reopened. The Commission must amend its minutes to state the specific legal authority for holding the executive session.

Opinion 2022-O-04