Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Administration Report Timing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jackson County legislators criticize county executive’s late written report delivery
Summary
Legislators objected to a written report from the county executive’s office that was provided minutes before the March 18 meeting and said staff were not available to answer questions.
Members of the Jackson County Legislature criticized a written report submitted by staff from the county executive’s office minutes before the March 18 legislative meeting, saying the timing prevented meaningful review or questioning.
Caleb Clifford, representing the county executive’s office, told the chamber that the executive delivered a written report before the meeting and that paper copies were available. “The county executive delivered a report this morning prior to the meeting, in written form, and we are also, providing a paper copy of that as well,” Clifford said.
Legislator Barker questioned the timing and availability of staff to answer questions. “Seeing how this was sent 3 minutes ago, what does this say?” Barker asked. Barker and other legislators said the submission minutes before the session and the absence of executive staff in the chamber made it unreasonable to expect meaningful discussion during the meeting. Barker added that written material submitted moments before a meeting is “ridiculous and unacceptable.”
Clifford responded that “the letter speaks for itself” and that the report had been prepared by staff and counsel. Legislator Franklin also said the timing was unacceptable and noted the county executive’s office had not made an executive available to answer questions contained in the written report.
The chair moved the meeting past the communications item after the exchange and the legislature proceeded to other agenda matters.
