City Council discusses agenda transparency issues during budget meeting

In the dimly lit chambers of the Fall River City Hall, members of the School Committee gathered for a special meeting on March 19, 2025, to discuss pressing budgetary matters. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted from focused deliberation to confusion as procedural issues regarding the meeting agenda took center stage.

As discussions unfolded, a committee member raised concerns about the last-minute addition of items to the agenda, which had been submitted less than 48 hours prior to the meeting. This sparked a debate about the importance of adhering to proper protocols, particularly regarding the posting of revised agendas on the city’s website. The member emphasized the need for transparency and clarity, stating, “We have to do a better job of agendas, the 48-hour timeline, the communication with the attorney before things get on an agenda.”

The committee's legal counsel was called upon to clarify the situation, explaining that the meeting was primarily focused on the budget and that new matters could not be addressed due to the special nature of the gathering. This clarification, however, did little to quell the frustrations expressed by committee members about the lack of public access to the updated agenda, which they argued violated open meeting laws.

One member noted their diligence in checking the city website for the revised agenda, only to find it missing. “The public only sees the original agenda, not the revised one,” they pointed out, highlighting the critical need for effective communication and adherence to legal requirements to ensure public engagement.

As the meeting progressed, the committee ultimately decided to adjourn, with members acknowledging the need for improvement in their procedural practices. The discussions underscored a broader commitment to transparency and accountability, as the committee members recognized that their effectiveness hinges not only on the decisions they make but also on how they communicate those decisions to the public they serve.

With the meeting concluded, the committee left with a renewed focus on enhancing their processes, ensuring that future gatherings would not only be productive but also accessible to the community they represent.