The public deserves to have public business conducted within public view. If it isn't, the group will lose the public's trust. New technology makes it easier than ever for public servants, oftentimes unknowingly, to circumvent the law. Under state law, one-way communication from one board member to another is allowed outside of public meetings, but the recipient can't respond. Correspondence or conversations between some board members may leave other board members feeling left out.
Nobody wants to believe a decision has already been made without the benefit of their input.
According to the open meetings law, government officials may go into closed sessions for one of six reasons, which must be stated when a formal motion is made. Those closed sessions should be scheduled in advance and not merely called at commissioners' discretion. Franklin County commissioners, who frequently and routinely conduct closed sessions, should follow the law on this issue. A lack of knowledge of the law is no excuse. Commissioners should consult the county attorney, if in doubt, before abruptly going into a closed session.