Montgomery County Board formally censors Sarah Bone for repeated meeting absences

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors convened on December 16, 2024, to address significant attendance issues concerning Board member Sarah Bone. The meeting began with a resolution expressing the Board's dissatisfaction with Bone's repeated absences from various meetings, including those of the Montgomery County Public Service Authority and the New River Valley Community Services Board.

The resolution highlighted that Bone had previously entered into a memorandum of agreement following mediation, committing to attend all remaining meetings for the year 2024. However, despite this commitment, she failed to attend the scheduled December meetings of both the Public Service Authority and the Community Services Board. The Board emphasized that her continued absences violated the standards of conduct and code of ethics established for Board members.

As a result, the Board formally censured Sarah Bone for her attendance issues and revoked her appointments to the Montgomery County Public Service Authority, the New River Valley Community Services Board, and the Fairview District Home Board, effective immediately. The resolution clarified that the censure did not prevent Bone from voting or representing her constituents but was aimed at ensuring active participation in meetings.

During the discussion, Vice Chair Fidzikowski noted that Bone had missed a significant number of meetings, specifically citing her absence from six out of ten meetings of the New River Valley Community Services Board and five out of nine meetings of the Public Service Authority. Bone defended her attendance record, citing personal challenges and prior commitments that affected her ability to attend certain meetings.

Bone expressed her willingness to continue her duties as a board member and highlighted her past contributions. She acknowledged the difficulties she faced over the past two years but maintained that her attendance would improve in the coming year.

The meeting concluded with the Board's decision to move forward with the censure and revocation of appointments, marking a significant step in addressing attendance accountability among its members.