City Council Member Defends Controversial Meeting Practices

During a recent government meeting, council members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the implications of the Open Meetings Act and its application to council interactions. A council member shared their personal experience, stating that while serving on the council, they were informed that speaking with two other council members was permissible under the law. This assertion sparked a debate about the legality and appropriateness of such interactions.

The city attorney provided clarity on the Open Meetings Act, which was established in the 1970s to ensure transparency in government proceedings. The act mandates that any gathering of a quorum—defined as a simple majority of council members discussing public business—constitutes a meeting, requiring public notice, access, and minutes. In Bastrop, where a quorum is four members, discussions among three members outside of a formal meeting do not violate the act.

The attorney emphasized that while it is legal for three council members to converse privately, the ethical implications of such actions remain a matter for the council and the public to consider. The conversation highlighted the balance between legal allowances and the spirit of open governance, underscoring the ongoing dialogue about transparency and accountability in local government.