In a recent government meeting, legislators expressed concerns over a lack of transparency and bipartisanship regarding decisions made about county building projects. The discussions were sparked by a newspaper article that quoted unnamed legislators involved in a resource group exploring potential sites for new buildings. Legislators present at the meeting were frustrated that they were not consulted prior to decisions being made, with one member stating they received a call just before a key meeting, indicating that discussions had already concluded without their input.
The resource group, as clarified during the meeting, primarily consisted of department heads and did not include other legislators. This exclusion raised questions about the decision-making process and the need for better communication among all legislators. One member emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that taxpayers deserve to know the rationale behind such significant decisions, especially when they impact working conditions for county employees.
Another legislator pointed out that while the chair of the legislature is responsible for day-to-day operations, there should still be open lines of communication regarding policy decisions that affect the entire legislative body. The sentiment was echoed by multiple members who called for a more collaborative approach moving forward, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions about the county's building needs.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, but not before legislators reiterated their commitment to improving communication and ensuring that all voices are heard in future discussions.