Most controversies concern special meetings. Special meetings are called pursuant to a procedure set out in the Alabama Code. The controversy usually arises over the type notice the Code requires in order to conduct a special meeting. All elected officials must receive notice of the meeting and have the opportunity to attend. This guarantees all citizens the right to participate in the affairs of the government through their representatives.
Similar problems arise over public records.
Clearly, most records maintained by a municipality are public. However, controversies over what this means are common. Everyone is not entitled to see public records any time they wish. The municipality is entitled to establish reasonable procedures governing access to public records. Citizens who wish to view public records must follow these procedures.